Firefighter bit by dog attempting to help woman

A Cedar Rapids firefighter suffered a minor injury when he was bit by a dog as he tried to help its owner Thursday morning.

Firefighters responded to a medical call at 416 Summer Circle NE around 6:40 a.m. when woman fell outside and could not get up. Fire Department spokesman Greg Buelow said the woman had her Bassett hound with her, and the leash became wrapped around her when she fell.

When firefighters arrived, they realized they needed to move the dog to get to the woman. Firefighter Todd Hagen was trying to move the dog when it bit him in the hand.

“Maybe the dog had a protective instinct, and so it nipped him,” Buelow said. “Things like this certainly are a possibility, with any kind of medical call, or even a fire.”

Hagen suffered one puncture wound and received medical treatment from the city nurse, Buelow said. Animal Control was notified, as is normal procedure, and their officers were making sure the dog's vaccinations were current.

Buelow said firefighters receive training on situations with animals.

“They understand there is some danger with dogs,” Buelow said. “A lot of it is the protective nature of the dog. Especially if they see that their owner has fallen and needs help.”