Calif. Firefighters Make Challenging Mountain Rescue

March 18--Bennett Valley firefighters Sunday night rescued a seriously injured mountain biker who'd crashed deep into Annadel State Park.

Four firefighters hiked about 2 1/2 rugged miles to get to the rider. Three of them shared a 100-pound plus load of medical supplies and a patient litter, said Bennett Valley fire Lt. Travis Browne.

The man, who feared he'd broken his neck, had to be carried about a quarter mile along a narrow, difficult track to an awaiting CHP helicopter, Browne said.

The helicopter flew him to Santa Rosa Memorial Hospital. He was identified only as a 40-year-old from Sonoma County.

The man had been riding Sunday afternoon with his two young sons and six other adults when the crash occurred.

"He hit a root, went over his handlebars and struck his forehead, causing serious injuries," said Browne.

The 911 call for help was made at 6:46 p.m. by one of the riders.

Bennett Valley firefighters frequently are called to the huge east Santa Rosa park for lost or injured hikers and bikers. Sunday's four-man crew responded with a pickup truck loaded with equipment for such park rescues.

They got into the park via Woodview Drive and drove to the Canyon and Marsh trail head where they began hiking.

They were met by some of the victim's friends and his sons. The boys and multiple bikes were taken out by Santa Rosa firefighters.

One friend guided firefighters to the injured man, who otherwise would have been tough to find as the group had been riding on an unofficial trail, said Browne.

They got to him at about 7:30 p.m. He was on the ground -- cold but conscious.

He told firefighters he might have broken his neck and while he still could move, numbness was spreading.

"He was in a severe amount of pain," said Browne "Time was of the essence to get him out of there."

They stabilized him, made him as comfortable as possible and strapped him to the litter.

Browne estimated the man weighed about 200 pounds. The firefighters had help from five others, two from the helicopter crew and three men who'd been riding with the victim.

It was dark. Flashlights lit the way.

With a man on each corner, periodically they switched sides and switched carriers along a trail made more challenging as they had to watch for roots, loose rocks and maneuver sharp turns and steep changes in elevation.

The helicopter was waiting in an open area and quickly took the man aloft.

The firefighters then had to hike back up to the crash site and reclaim their gear before hiking back out the two-plus miles to their pickup.

But after going to the hospital the helicopter returned, picked them up and shortened the effort.

"For me it was the most technical rescue we've had for quite some time," said Brown, 32.

"We're hoping everything turns out all right for the patient," he said.

Copyright 2013 - The Press Democrat, Santa Rosa, Calif.