Ventura County Sheriff's Department

On April 18, 2010, at approximately 3:35 PM, a helicopter was requested for a fall victim who was at the punch bowls in Santa Paula Canyon. This is a remote area in the Los Padres National Forest and is only accessible by foot or helicopter.

The Sheriff’s Department helicopter, piloted by Ken Williams, responded with a rescue crew and AMR Paramedic Beningo. Bystanders pointed out the injured party as the rescue helicopter hovered over the area. Beningo was hoisted 100 feet down to the injured subject, Viramontes, to access his injuries. The victim was suffering from a back injury he sustained while jumping off the cliffs into the pool of water.

Fire Captain Dumbauld was also hoisted down to assist in placing the victim into a stokes litter so that he could be hoisted into the helicopter. The victim was successfully hoisted approximately 140 feet out of the narrow canyon into the helicopter and flown to an awaiting ambulance.

Location: Punch Bowls, Santa Paula Canyon, Santa Paula CA
Date & Time: 04/18/2010 3:35 PM
Unit Responsible: Sheriff’s Aviation Unit
(V)ictim City of Residence Age
V-1 Juan Viramontes Ventura 31

Officer Preparing Release: Sergeant F. Underlin

Follow-up Contact: Sergeant F. Underlin 947-8196

Date of Release: 4-18-2010

Approved By: Mike De Los Santos, Captain #0730