TUCSON, Ariz. — Firefighters used new rescue equipment to help an elderly woman who became stranded in a wash earlier this week, officials said.

Ladder 16-B was called to assist Engine 12 near Bonanza Avenue and Broadway Boulevard, where crews found the woman had slid into a steep ditch. She remained there for about three hours before a bystander called 911.

Firefighters used their new “HOT Seat” device to safely lift her from the wash. She declined ambulance transport and was able to walk home, where she was reunited with her husband.

The Tucson Fire Department said the incident highlighted both the importance of bystanders calling 911 and the effectiveness of their new rescue equipment.

Source: Tucson Fire Department