LAWAS: A patient enduring hours of swelling and pain caused by a tightly wedged steel ring was finally relieved after a swift and precise rescue operation by the Fire and Rescue Department at Hospital Lawas today.
Firefighters from the Lawas Fire and Rescue Station were alerted at 12.30 pm following a call for specialised assistance to remove a steel ring stuck on the patient’s index finger.
The swelling had worsened to the point that medical staff were unable to remove the ring safely, raising concerns over circulation and potential tissue damage.
An emergency bell was sounded within 30 seconds of the call, and a fire engine was dispatched immediately. The team arrived at the hospital within two minutes, travelling just one kilometre from the station and began operations at 12.33 pm.
The operation commander conducted an initial assessment and confirmed that the patient’s finger was significantly swollen due to prolonged constriction by the steel ring. Firefighters then deployed specialised ring cutting equipment, a delicate procedure requiring precision to avoid further injury to the patient.
The removal process took nearly an hour, reflecting the complexity of cutting through hardened steel while protecting the swollen finger. At 1.28 pm, the ring was successfully removed, bringing an end to the patient’s ordeal. The operation was declared under control shortly afterwards.
No further medical complications were reported following the operation.
