— from Marla Johns, OIFR —
On Sunday, November 20, 2016, Orcas Island Fire & Rescue was dispatched at 1:15 p.m. to rescue an injured mountain biker, “a few miles in on Power line trail in Moran State Park.”
The on-duty Battalion Chief, Paramedic, and the OIFR Technical Rescue Team located the best access route and began a long hike up the side of Mt. Constitution. Following a steep and lengthy hike in to the area, the patient, a 31 year-old female mountain biker from Sammamish, was located. The patient was treated at the scene for injuries, pain, and exposure. Once treated, she was stabilized for the lengthy and difficult extrication to carry her out. OIFR’s technical rescue team used mountain rescue ropes and mechanical advantage tools for safety. The process of carrying the patient from the accident location to the awaiting ambulance took over an hour to complete.
A total of more than 20 responders were on scene for the call which took a total of 4 hours and 36 minutes. Additional support from San Juan County Sheriff’s Deputies and State Parks was required as well.
OIFR’s technical rescue team trains year round for scenarios such as this. Their diligent training and dedication ensured both the patient and all personnel were safely removed from the precarious scene.
The patient was transported to St. Joseph Hospital in Bellingham in stable condition.
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Job well done by all, we are so fortunate to have this level of training in our Fire Department. Always impressed by those that stand up and get it done!
Thanks to you all!!
Thank goodness for the training our people have to complete a rescue such as this and what a lucky person to have people like this available. So proud to have this kind of service available to all of us and tourists alike. Thank you!
Why is mountain biking allowed in Moran Park? Do they really need the scenery? Wouldn’t it be better in a warehouse/stadium or other facility set up just for that purpose? I understand the thrill, I don’t understand the destruction caused…. Merry
Merry ouch! Mountain bikers are allowed to be state park users too. They are only able to bike on some trails in the off season. It’s all part of our tourist economy and the paradise we live in.
Merry Bush, why is horseback riding allowed in Moran Park? Do they really need the scenery? Wouldn’t it be better in a warehouse/stadium or other facility set up just for that purpose? I understand the thrill, I don’t understand the destruction caused.
Sarcasm aside, mountain biking (and horseback riding) is part of the Washington State Parks mission of “dedication to outdoor recreation”.
But if you want to talk about destruction, look at some of the trails in the Park that have been ruined by horses. It’s a continuing problem.
So let’s work together to find solutions to accommodate all of our Park users.