POUGHKEEPSIE, NY – A dramatic rescue unfolded Wednesday night when an elderly woman, believed to be suffering from dementia, was found on the roof of her four-story apartment building in the City of Poughkeepsie.
Neighbor’s Quick Thinking Prevents Tragedy
The incident came to light after an alert neighbor spotted the woman on the rooftop and immediately called 911, recognizing the danger of the situation. Thanks to the neighbor’s vigilance, first responders arrived in time to safely assist the woman.
Coordinated Rescue by Police and Firefighters
Police and fire units from the City of Poughkeepsie rushed to the scene and worked swiftly to prevent any harm. Officers accessed the rooftop via the building’s fire escape, while firefighters skillfully maneuvered a tower ladder truck into a narrow alley behind the building.
Positioning the truck required precision, but once in place, firefighters raised the aerial bucket to reach the woman on the roof. She was carefully brought down to safety without incident.
Medical Attention and Family Support
After the rescue, EMS crews evaluated the woman at the scene. She was later transported to a local hospital for further observation. Her family, already notified of the situation, had gathered at the hospital to be with her.
Clearing the Scene
Following the successful rescue, attention turned to retrieving the ladder truck from the tight alleyway. Firefighters spent approximately 10 minutes maneuvering the large vehicle out of the building’s cramped parking area. Once cleared, the truck was back on the street and ready for its next emergency.
A Reminder of Community and Preparedness
This incident serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of community awareness and prompt emergency response. Thanks to a concerned neighbor and the swift action of Poughkeepsie’s first responders, what could have been a tragic situation ended safely.
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