Firefighters from the Orange County Fire Authority rescued Eli, a 20-year-old mule struggling with life-threatening colic. He had been unable to stand for hours, putting him at risk of fatal organ compression. The rescue involved hoisting Eli using a bipod device, which is known for its strength and was originally used in World War I. Following the operation, Eli was able to walk back to his stable and showed signs of improvement, demonstrating the importance of timely intervention for animals in distress.
According to Sean Doran, a spokesperson for OCFA, that equipment was also used in World War I to roll over upside-down tanks. He said, "It's got this incredible capacity and strength...These horses obviously, or mules in this case, are no match for it."
Eli had been lying down for hours in his stall yesterday in Trabuco Canyon, unable to stand and suffering from painful colic that would have been fatal if he remained down too long.
Doran said that Eli, lying down, wasn't able to pass food and was at risk of his organs compressing. Had he not been hoisted upright, the colic could have been fatal, he said.
The firefighters pulled Eli out of his stable before bringing him to his feet. After a bit, he clopped back into his stable, where he is doing much better.
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