Goa Firefighters Execute Critical Rescue After Trawler Fire
In a dramatic evening incident, firefighters from the Old Goa station successfully rescued a man from Odisha who was found unconscious following a small fire on his trawler boat near Dauji Road on Tuesday. The swift action of the fire brigade prevented a potential tragedy, highlighting their readiness in emergency situations.
Emergency Call and Initial Response
Fire officer Amit Rivonkar, who led the rescue operation, detailed the events. "We received an emergency call at 7.15 pm reporting a trawler boat on fire near Dauji Road," he said. However, one of their fire tenders was already engaged in another emergency, so the team mobilized with a motor rescue unit and an additional firefighter to address the situation promptly.
Fire Control and Subsequent Crisis
Upon arrival, the firefighters discovered that labourers working on the trawler had already extinguished the blaze using a fire extinguisher. "The labourers demonstrated quick thinking and brought the fire under control, though a portion of the deck was charred," Rivonkar noted. Shortly after, one of the labourers collapsed, raising immediate concerns.
Firefighters suspected the man might have inhaled toxic fumes or experienced psychological shock due to the sudden fire and ensuing chaos. "The other labourers presumed him dead and were frantically trying to revive him by rubbing his palms, but he was unresponsive, with a weak pulse and no breathing," Rivonkar explained.
Life-Saving Measures and Recovery
The team quickly dialed the 108 helpline to request an ambulance while ensuring the area was safe. In the interim, firefighters performed cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and closely monitored the man's vital signs. Their efforts paid off as the man regained consciousness and showed signs of recovery by the time the ambulance arrived.
He was subsequently transported to Goa Medical College (GMC) for further medical evaluation and treatment. This incident underscores the importance of emergency preparedness and the critical role of firefighters in safeguarding lives during unforeseen crises.
