Earlier this morning, Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) units responded to a river rescue operation at 2750 E Washington Blvd in Boyle Heights. According to the official LAFD alert, at 9:31 A.M., firefighters discovered a female patient lying face upward in a shallow body of water, with about 3-4 inches of water surrounding her. While the woman appeared to be moving her extremities, the specifics of her condition and the events leading to her predicament were not immediately clear. The alert detailed that firefighters were in the process of preparing the necessary equipment and figuring out the most suitable rescue technique.
Subsequently, a follow-up LAFD update at 10:23 A.M. reported that due to the challenging location and limited accessibility on the ground, the rescue took a complex turn. LAFD Air Operations were called to lower a rescuer to the patient for an assessment. They discovered that the patient, an approximately 55-year-old female, was in serious condition. Given the obstacles, a hoist operation was deemed necessary to lift the woman to safety and transport her for medical attention.
LAFD units, including Fire Station 17, both ground and air, participated in a coordinated effort to ensure the swift and safe rescue of the individual. The operation involved an array of specialized units such as urban search and rescue teams, air medical services, heavy rescue apparatus, and a multitude of support personnel.
As of the latest reports, the patient's current medical status post-rescue has not been released. The LAFD has not provided any additional information regarding possible causes or contributing factors that led to the woman’s situation in the river. Residents and passersby are urged to exercise caution in and around the waterways, especially during unexpected weather conditions or in areas where the terrain can present hidden dangers.
