Ventura County Sheriff's Department

Location: “Punch Bowls” area of Santa Paula Canyon, Ventura County, Ca.
Date & Time: 6-3-08 / 3:30 p.m.
(V)ictim: Manzano, Tony City of residence: Santa Paula, Ca. Age: 22 years old

On 6-3-08 at approximately 1430 hours, (V) Tony Manzano was hiking with friends in an area of Santa Paula Canyon known as the “Punch Bowls.” While swinging on a rope over one of the pools of water, he fell and became injured. His injuries were serious enough that his friends hiked out of the canyon to an area where they could call 911 on their cell phone.

The Ventura County Sheriff’s Department sent its rescue helicopter, Air Squad 9, to the location. Upon arrival, Air Squad 9 searched the area and located Tony. Due to the remote location, a crew chief was hoisted down to Tony. The crew chief briefly assessed Tony and bandaged his injuries. He was then fitted into a rescue harness and hoisted up to Air Squad 9 where a flight nurse was waiting to further treat Tony.

After hoisting the crew chief back on board, Air Squad 9 flew to St. Thomas Aquinas College and landed. Tony was transferred to an AMR ambulance for transport to a local hospital.

The Ventura County Sheriff's Department would like to remind the public, as summer approaches, to be extra careful as they hike in the backcountry. A general hiking plan should be completed and given to someone who is not going on the trip. The hiking plan should include the number of people hiking, where the hike begins and the planned destination. It should also include estimated time of return so family or friends know when to call the Sheriff’s Department for help.

In addition to a hiking plan, the Sheriff’s Department would like to remind those hiking to take plenty of water, food and supplies in case someone does become injured or stranded.