A backyard adventure turned scary in Sandy Springs on Saturday when a young child crawled under a deck and got stuck, prompting a fast-moving rescue that ended with firefighters literally lifting part of the structure to free her. Crews worked their way in by removing deck boards, talking to the child to keep her calm, and then raising the deck until she could be pulled out. Officials said she was not hurt, and no identifying details were released.
Firefighters arrived at the home, pulled up several boards to reach the child, and then used specialized equipment to jack up the deck and get her clear, according to WSB‑TV. The outlet reported that officials did not share the child’s age or explain exactly how she became pinned.
How crews freed the child
The Sandy Springs Fire Department’s emergency-services page notes that the department operates a squad unit and a Special Operations Command Unit, and carries technical-rescue and stabilization equipment that crews regularly train on. That training and gear, including tools for lifting and stabilizing structures and a dedicated rescue squad unit, are part of what the city says allows firefighters to handle complex rescues quickly and safely, according to the City of Sandy Springs.
A pattern of quick rescues
This is not the first time recently that Sandy Springs crews have stepped in to help a vulnerable child. In April, firefighters helped reunite a lost, nonverbal child with her mother while returning from a call, according to Atlanta News First. Incidents like these highlight that local firefighters are routinely called to a wide range of emergencies that have nothing to do with flames or smoke.
Takeaways for parents
Parents and caretakers are urged to keep a close eye on young children around elevated decks and porches, and to consider blocking off the space beneath them with skirting, lattice, or other barriers so kids cannot crawl under. Keeping patios and yards free of hazards and making sure gaps under structures are too small for a child to squeeze through can help prevent similar scares. If a child does become trapped, call 911 immediately, follow the dispatcher’s instructions, and focus on keeping the child as calm and still as possible until help arrives.
