Sunday, July 1, 2012

Good Planning Helps Locate Downed Rider

El Monte Valley-

On Sunday, July 1st, 2012 at 10:31 AM, the Lakeside Fire District received a call about a rider that had fallen from a horse in the San Diego River bottom. A rescue company and an ALS ambulance was sent to the incident, but based on location a request was made for the duty chief to respond in his four wheel drive vehicle.

Paramedics treat the victim for traumatic injuries.
Fortunately for the patient good planning resulted in locating the victim quickly and initiating medical care. In this situation the rider was not alone which resulted in a quick call to 911 after the incident. Also the second rider was able to meet the first responders on El Monte Rd and direct them to the patient. All too often riders, and hikers, are out alone and are unable to assist with their rescue, thus crews have to spend time in just locating the victim. Also, never rely totally on a cell phone. There are areas in this valley where cell phones are rendered useless due to coverage issues. Also, in the event that your medical situation compromises your ability to use a phone, it too can result in delays.

In this situation the victim was quickly located by crews and treated for possible fractures. The victim was transported to a local ER via M3.

View Incident Map 2012 in a larger map 

Submitted By: Fire Captain Mark Grow, Lakeside Fire District

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