A spectacular rescue occurred Saturday after a motorcyclist riding trails in the San Bernardino Mountains fell about 100 feet over a hillside.
The event on April 26th occurred just before 3:30 p.m., roughly a half mile off the Cleghorn Trail in the Cajon Pass.
According to a statement released on the fire department’s X account, the cyclist incurred moderate injuries during the incident but was unable to return to the road.
Due to heavy winds and electricity lines in the region, initial requests for helicopter hoist rescue had to be cancelled.
“Due to the challenging terrain and distance from the roadway, specialized Urban Search and Rescue personnel responded,” fire officials said. “Fire personnel quickly established a rope rescue system utilizing mechanical advantage to safely raise the rider back up to the road, where emergency medical treatment continued.”
The rider was subsequently transported by paramedics to a nearby trauma centre.
San Bernardino County Fire posted video of the rescue, which showed personnel anchoring the rope rescue with the rear wheels of two responding county trucks and safely pulling the injured rider up the hillside on a gurney to safety.
Officials praised the two county-owned all-terrain vehicles utilised in the rescue.
“The San Bernardino County Fire ARVs are specialized vehicles that have proven to be invaluable across the county in recent weeks,” fire officials said. “On several different incidents they have enabled crews to access difficult terrain, shuttle personnel and patients, and transport equipment more efficiently.”
According to the statement, the all-terrain vehicles have also cut the fire department’s rescue times, allowing injured patients to receive medical care more quickly.
“The San Bernardino County Fire Protection District reminds outdoor enthusiasts to exercise caution when exploring off-road trails/recreational activities,” fire officials added.
