Nurse revives drunk raccoon found in dumpster with CPR
Share this @internewscast.com

In Letcher County, Kentucky, an unusual situation unfolded when a bunch of fermented peaches made a dumpster hazardous, prompting Misty Combs, a seasoned local nurse, to come to the rescue.

“I’ve had some pretty crazy days on the job, but nothing like this,” Combs told WLEX.

In her 21 years of nursing, Combs thought she’d seen it all. The RN works at the Letcher County Health Department in Whitesburg.

One day she and her coworkers noticed a panicked raccoon darting through the parking lot. Then, they heard a commotion from a nearby dumpster.

Combs described the scene by saying, “Our health department is adjacent to Kentucky Mist Moonshine, a distillery. They disposed of some fermented peaches in their dumpster, which attracted baby raccoons that got trapped inside,” she narrated.

Drunk as a skunk? Try tipsy as a trash panda.

When fermented peaches turned a dumpster into danger, longtime Letcher County nurse Misty Combs stepped in to save the day.

When fermented peaches turned a dumpster into danger, longtime Letcher County nurse Misty Combs stepped in to save the day.

Combs realized the mother raccoon was frantic to find her babies and get them to safety.

Driven by her maternal instincts, she added, “I was compelled to help them out. Watching the mother raccoon desperately trying to retrieve her babies, I felt it was necessary to act.”

Using a shovel, Combs freed the first raccoon, which promptly ran back to its mother. The second raccoon was in more distress, lying face down at the dumpster’s bottom with a mix of water and peach-infused moonshine.

Without hesitation, she grabbed the raccoon by the tail and pulled him to safety, but quickly realized that he had passed out.

Witnesses thought the worst. “People around said, ‘It’s gone, it’s not breathing.’ It seemed to have drowned, as its body felt waterlogged. I instinctively began CPR,” Combs recounted.

A video captured by a colleague depicts Combs administering chest compressions and turning the raccoon to its side to clear its airway. Despite never having performed CPR on an animal, she shared with LEX 18 that she improvised to deliver critical assistance.

Suddenly, the raccoon began breathing, although Combs admits she had some hesitation.

“The entire time, I was afraid it’d come-to and eat me up, and raccoons carry rabies so I was afraid of that.”

Fish and Wildlife responded before the town drunk turned into a mean drunk. They transported the animal to the local veterinarian who administered fluids and got the raccoon sobered up.

Combs and her colleagues named the critter Otis Campbell, named for the infamous Andy Griffith Show character. Eventually, Otis was returned to the Health Department’s parking lot where Combs had the honor of releasing him back into the wild.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
US embassy in London warns to 'exercise caution' near Jewish sites in UK, Europe after antisemitic attacks

US Embassy Issues Caution for Jewish Sites in UK and Europe Amid Rising Antisemitic Attacks

The U.S. Embassy in London issued a cautionary advisory to Americans on…
Mass shooting near Indiana University injures 9, no arrests made yet

Tragic Mass Shooting Near Indiana University Leaves 9 Injured: Search for Suspects Intensifies

In the early hours of Sunday, a mass shooting near Indiana University…
Ships seized by Iranians 'armed to the teeth' along Strait of Hormuz have been taken toward port: report

Iranian Forces Heavily Arm and Seize Ships in Strait of Hormuz: Latest Developments Unfold

Two container ships have been seized by Iranian forces in the strategic…
VIDEO: Gunman Charges Through Washington Hilton During WHCA Dinner

Security Breach: Gunman Storms Washington Hilton Amid White House Correspondents’ Dinner Chaos

A dramatic incident unfolded at the Washington Hilton during the White House…
Work of scientists in ‘suspicious’ disappearances is prime target for hostile foes: retired FBI agent

Retired FBI Agent Warns: Scientists’ Research Linked to ‘Suspicious’ Disappearances May Be Targeted by Hostile Adversaries

FBI probes mysterious disappearances, deaths of US scientists The House Oversight Committee…
Hamas influence looms over Gaza elections as experts warn vote could backfire

Hamas’ Role in Gaza Elections Sparks Concerns of Potential Backlash, Experts Say

This Saturday marks a significant event for the people of Deir al-Balah…
Russia launches one of its largest attacks of the war, killing at least 10 Ukrainian civilians and wounding 73 others: ‘Vile war crime’

Russia’s Massive Assault in Ukraine: 10 Civilians Killed, 73 Injured in Escalating Conflict

In a tragic escalation of violence, at least 10 individuals lost their…
The race against time to destroy Iran’s illicit nuclear weapons program heats up amid fresh strikes

Nuclear Experts Debunk Iran’s Uranium Claims, Support Trump’s Firm Stance in Ongoing Negotiations

Amid escalating tensions between President Trump and Iran’s divided leadership over the…
Cole Allen identified as suspect in White House Correspondents' Dinner shooting

Suspect Cole Allen Named in Shocking White House Correspondents’ Dinner Shooting Incident

Cole Allen, a 31-year-old from Torrance, California, has been accused of firing…
US embassy in London warns to 'exercise increased caution' near Jewish sites in UK, Europe after attacks

US Embassy Issues Alert for Increased Vigilance at Jewish Sites in UK and Europe Following Recent Incidents

On Friday, the U.S. Embassy in London issued a cautionary notice to…
Trump claims Iran's oil infrastructure may explode in three days due to US blockade

Explosive Warning: Trump Predicts Iran’s Oil Infrastructure Crisis Amidst US Blockade

On Sunday, former President Trump suggested that within roughly three days, Iran’s…
Trump rushed out of White House Correspondents’ Dinner after shots fired outside ballroom, gunman down

Chaos Erupts at White House Correspondents’ Dinner: Gunfire Reported, Trump Escorted to Safety

In a dramatic turn of events, President Trump, First Lady Melania, along…