Elderly Long Beach woman being mauled by large dog is rescued by firefighters

CALIFORNIA -- Fire officials rescued an elderly woman as she was being mauled by a dog this week near Belmont Heights, officials said this morning.

At about 4 p.m. Monday, Long Beach Fire Department Engine 4 was returning from a call for service traveling down the 3700 Block of E. 5th Street. The crew saw an elderly woman, defenseless and lying on her back, being brutally attacked by a large dog, fire officials said.

The crew immediately exited the fire engine and aggressively engaged the dog. The crew was able to secure the dog and save the woman from further injury.

The elderly woman was transported as a trauma patient to an area hospital. A firefighter from Engine 4 was also transported to an area hospital with puncture wounds to his wrist and forearm. He was treated and released from the hospital.

The condition of the woman was not released.

(Long Beach Press Telegram-Sep 24, 2014)