PHOTOS: Daring Rescue After Lawnmower Accident in Orange County

It must be hard to surprise a Hudson Valley first responder. From rope rescues of stranded animals on local hiking trails to pulling drivers out of burning vehicles, there seems to be a new challenge almost daily.

Despite the extensive training and experience, however, there are calls that can catch even the most seasoned veteran off guard. For firefighters in Orange County, NY, that moment may have come this week.

Volunteer Fire Departments in the Town of Newburgh, NY

In the Town of Newburgh and surrounding municipalities, many emergency calls are fielded by two volunteer fire departments: Cronomer Valley Fire Department and Middle Hope Fire Department. Recently, it was crews from Middle Hope that were presented with a difficult puzzle.

Middle Hope Fire Department Responds to Unique Emergency

"On Sunday, September 28th, Middle Hope Fire was dispatched a reported person trapped under a lawnmower", began a recent post from the Middle Hope Fire Department (below). As they explained, the emergency held some hidden challenges.

Quick-Thinking in Lawnmower Rescue in Orange County, NY

As MHFD explained, the incident left the subject trapped between the mower, which they were riding, and the porch. While it was good news that there were no whirring blades to worry about, first responders still had to take drastic action to safely remove their patient:

The patient was not able to feel or move her leg or foot on arrival of emergency services. The decision was made to cut one of the supporting posts and raise the entire desk using airbags.

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First responders are notorious for acting selflessly with little care for public thanks or recognition. That being said, if there was ever an awards ceremony for Hudson Valley emergency workers, this event would be a shoe-in nomination for most unique rescue operation. Check out some more non-traditional calls in the Hudson Valley below.