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Injured Horseback Rider, Medivac
By Ventura County Sheriff Department — Monday, February 14th, 2011
Sespe River at Timber Flats
 Ventura County Sheriff's Department On February 11, 2011, at approximately 5:35 p.m., a helicopter was requested for a juvenile male who fell off a horse while riding along the Sespe River near Timber Flats. Initial information stated that the juvenile was riding with a group of three other students, and one chaperone from Thatcher High School in Ojai. The group was riding in the area for an overnight camping trip. Due to the remote location, the chaperone and one student rode approximately two hours back to Rose Valley before reaching a location that provided cellular service. The injured male, and two other students remained at Timber Flats with a good samaritan, Dawn Brooks who was hiking in the area when the juvenile was injured. The Sheriff’s Department helicopter, piloted by Jim Dalton, responded with a rescue crew consisting of Crew Chief’s Don White, Chris Dumbauld, and Firefighter/Paramedic Jeff Golden. Upon arrival, an aerial search was initiated with the assistance of night vision goggles worn by the aircrew. Shortly after the search began, the juvenile was located adjacent to the river near Timber Flats. The rescue helicopter landed near the juvenile where he was contacted by Paramedic Golden and evaluated for injuries. Due to the injuries sustained by the juvenile, the decision was made to fly him to a waiting ambulance at Lions Campground in Rose Valley. Upon landing at Rose Valley, the juvenile was transported via ambulance to the Ventura County Medical Center for treatment of non-life threatening injuries. The rescue helicopter then flew back to Timber Flats and landed to check on the well being of the remaining two students and Brooks. The students and Brooks were advised that the chaperone was riding back to their location to provide further assistance, and escort them out of the area. Once confirming that all three were in good health and safe, the helicopter crew departed and returned to Camarillo. The students, chaperone, and Brooks should be commended for being prepared for an emergency such as this prior to starting out on their trip. They were equipped with warm clothing, extra food, water, maps, cell phone, and flashlights that provided comfort and assistance in locating them during this incident. Date & Time/ RB#: 2/11/2011 @ 5:35 p.m. / RB 11-3517 |
