On Sunday, January 18, a Sheriff’s ASTREA (Aerial Support to Regional Enforcement Agencies) helicopter, working in coordination with CAL FIRE San Diego rescue personnel, successfully conducted two back-to-back medical rescues in steep, remote terrain in the East County.
The first rescue took place just after 2:00 p.m. ASTREA’s Copter 10 responded to a medical emergency in Corral Canyon near Pine Valley involving a motorcyclist who had fallen on a steep trail. Upon arrival, the aircrew located the patient in rugged terrain surrounded by heavy vegetation. Due to the lack of suitable landing zones, the helicopter landed in a nearby meadow and reconfigured for hoist operations.
A CAL FIRE San Diego helicopter rescue specialist was deployed to the patient, a 53-year-old man who had suffered a fall from a motorcycle and was exhibiting signs consistent with a head injury.
Due to the patient’s condition and the extended response time for ground resources, a hoist extraction was conducted. The patient was safely hoisted from the trail and transported to the meadow, where care was transferred to paramedics on the ground.
While departing the area following the first rescue, Copter 10 was notified of a second medical emergency on the nearby East Trail in steep, heavily vegetated terrain.
After a quick stop to retrieve fuel from ASTREA’s fuel truck, Copter 10 landed at a nearby trail landing zone and again reconfigured for hoist operations. A CAL FIRE San Diego helicopter rescue specialist assessed a 57-year-old woman suffering from an ankle injury that left her unable to walk.
The patient was safely hoisted from the trail and transferred to paramedics, who were staged at a nearby landing zone for further medical care. Following completion of the second rescue, Copter 10 returned to ASTREA Base, located at Gillespie Field in El Cajon.
Both rescues were completed safely and demonstrate the effectiveness of interagency coordination and the critical role of Sheriff’s ASTREA and CAL FIRE San Diego helicopter rescue personnel in responding to medical emergencies in difficult and remote terrain.
A reminder from the San Diego County Sheriff’s Office: residents and visitors to remote or mountainous areas are encouraged to:
Plan ahead
Wear appropriate clothes, shoes and safety gear
Stay on designated trails
Bring plenty of food and water
Carry communication devices at all times with full batteries
In the event of an emergency, early notification can significantly reduce response times and improve outcomes.
Media Contact: Lieutenant Gavin Lanning
Gavin.Lanning@sdsheriff.org
Sheriff’s ASTREA Unit (619) 956-4930
