S.M.A.R.T. Rescue #12-62, Duke stuck in quicksand

S.M.A.R.T. responded to their first horse rescue of 2012 at Hansen Dam this Memorial weekend. The Horse, named Duke, was stuck in wet sand. S.M.A.R.T. Members Hugh, Nett, Tami, Ramon, Glen, Hammer and Nav arrived and briefed LAFD and LA City Lifeguards on what the team was going to attempt. Dr. Bamert, a private horse veterinarian, was called out to sedate the horse for airlift. Hugh took lead and first secured Duke in the teams Rescue Glide then Prototype Large Animal Rescue Blanket (L.A.R.B.) This portion of the rescue took place in two feet deep of water. Once Duke was safely out of the water, S.M.A.R.T. secured him in their Anderson Sling and prepared him for airlift to a nearby baseball field. Two LAFD helicopters were already on scene and once Hugh gave the thumbs up, Duke was airlifted to the baseball field. Duke was on the ground and examined by Dr. Bamert and then loaded into S.M.A.R.T.s horse trailer and delivered back to his very relieved and grateful owner. S.M.A.R.T. would like to thank Dr. Bamert, LAFD and LA City Lifeguards for all of their help.