WASCO, Calif. -- Victor Fuentes is a professional tree trimmer who regularly climbs trees, cuts leaves and branches without any major problems.

But on Friday as Fuentes was above the ground about 30 feet, Fuentes suddenly found himself knocked sideways and was having difficulty breathing. His straps were sustaining him to the tree.

Fuentes was working on a palm tree and was cutting some heavy leaves. Suddenly, another batch of leaves from higher up came down on top of him and knocked him sideways.

Kern County firefighters responded and used a truck ladder to reach Fuentes. His fiance, Maria Gomez was also on hand anxiously watching events unfold.

"I felt like going up there and getting him myself because I know what to do," said Gomez who said she often helps her fiance at his job.

Fuentes was dangling for a while before firefighters were able to secure him aboard a ladder and bring him safely down. Fuentes denied medical treatment at the scene.

"It was all right," said Fuentes. "It got me sideways and I couldn't breath," he said.