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Injured Hiker, Rescue in Santa Paula Canyon
By Ventura County Sheriff Department — Monday, June 27th, 2011
 Ventura County Sheriff's Department On June 24, 2011, at about 6:00 p.m., Ventura County Sheriff’s Air support was requested for a female juvenile who was injured while hiking out of Santa Paula Canyon. Initial information stated that the juvenile had spent the previous evening camping with five other young adult and juvenile friends at Big Cone Campground. All of the campers were in the process of hiking to the trailhead when the juvenile was injured about one mile from Thomas Aquinas College near an area known as the Punch Bowls. Due to the remote location and lack of cellular service near the injured juvenile, three of the campers hiked out of the canyon to notify emergency personnel. Sheriff’s Air Squad 8 responded. Upon arrival to the area, an aerial search was initiated. Shortly after the search began, the juvenile was located on the trail. Due to the remote location and rugged terrain, the only option to contact, evaluate, and rescue the injured juvenile was through a hoist operation. The juvenile was hoisted into the helicopter and secured. The juvenile was flown to Thomas Aquinas College where Ventura County Fire and A.M.R. Ambulance were awaiting to treat the juvenile. The juvenile was transported to Santa Paula Hospital with non-life threatening injuries. The young adults and juveniles should be commended for remaining calm and formulating at plan to summon help for their injured friend. The Santa Paula Canyon is a beautiful and rugged area to visit. Visitors to the area should always be prepared for emergencies by carrying extra water, food, and communication devices. Location: Santa Paula Canyon |
