Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — Orange Beach Fire Rescue crews faced an unusual challenge when called to a medical emergency on a tugboat in the Intracoastal Waterway. Firefighters from Station 3, working A Shift, arrived to find the patient inside the vessel’s wheelhouse. The patient could not walk, and the confined space made traditional methods of removal difficult. Crews had to find another way to safely and quickly get the individual to medical care.

The incident happened today, Tuesday, September 16th, with Station 3’s Ladder Truck 3 and Rescue 3 both responding. Firefighters determined the best solution was to use the ladder truck to move the patient from the tugboat to the banks of the Intracoastal Waterway. Once secured, the patient was immediately transferred into Rescue 3 for transport to the hospital. Officials say the decision significantly reduced the time it would have taken using slower, more complicated alternatives.

Orange Beach Fire Rescue described the approach as “thinking outside the box,” a move that helped avoid delays in getting the patient to definitive care. Fire officials later credited Lieutenant Rye and the crew for their ability to adapt under pressure. While removing a patient from a boat is not a daily occurrence, the department emphasized that training and teamwork played a large role in the smooth execution.

The rescue illustrates how waterway emergencies can present unique obstacles, particularly when patients are unable to move on their own. In such cases, traditional stretchers or standard transport methods may not work. Firefighters must often rely on both equipment and improvisation to meet the moment.

Although Orange Beach Fire Rescue did not provide further details on the patient’s condition, the response highlights how vital preparation and resourcefulness can be in medical calls near the waterways. 

The incident stands as a reminder that emergency response on the water requires not only the right equipment but also the right mindset.