Rescuers from the Quezon City Fire District (QCFD) Special Rescue Force saved a 65-year-old woman who slipped and was pierced by an exposed iron bar while gathering malunggay leaves in Barangay San Agustin, Novaliches, Tuesday morning, January 15.
Authorities said the incident occurred around 9:00 a.m. when the victim reportedly felt dizzy and fell near a plant box, striking the protruding metal.
The QCFD rescue team responded promptly after receiving a call from the Novaliches Fire Substation.
SF02 Richard Andrew Roces, team leader of the rescue force, said they stabilized the victim before carefully removing her from the iron bar.
The bar had entered below her chin and exited through her mouth, making the operation particularly delicate.
Roces explained that rescuers avoided pulling the bar out hastily to prevent worsening the injury.
“Ang naging challenge lang po samin siyempre nakatusok siya ‘dun sa bakal so hindi natin pwede basta-basta galawin so nag-dahan dahan lang po tayo hanggang sa matanggal natin siya ‘dun sa pagkakatusok,” Roces said.
After nearly 30 minutes of careful maneuvering, the woman was freed and rushed to a hospital for treatment.
Despite the severity of the accident, Roces confirmed that no vital structures were damaged.
Authorities reminded the public, especially senior citizens, to take precautions and seek help immediately if they feel dizzy or weak during daily activities. (Allysa Nievera)
