"Copter rescues mountain biker, 50, after crash "

http://www.ocregister.com/news/park-...n-mckeown.html

November 29, 2009 11:49 AM


Copter rescues mountain biker, 50, after crash

By ERIKA I. RITCHIE
THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER

NEWPORT COAST – A 50-year-old mountain biker was airlifted today after
going over his handlebars while riding a trail at Crystal Cove State
Park, authorities said.

Orange County Fire Authority was called to the coastal wilderness park
at about 9:30 a.m. after reports of a mountain biking accident.
OCFA helicopter 1, based out of Fullerton Airport, was used to rescue
a 50-year old mountain biker this morning at Crystal Cove State Park.
Photo courtesy OCFA

The man was riding with a group on Rattlesnake Trail in the wilderness
park about 1.25 miles inland from Laguna Beach's El Morro Elementary
School, said OCFA Capt. Greg McKeown.

"They had just come downhill and looked back and didn't see him," said
McKeown. "They went back and found him on the trail."

An OCFA helicopter was dispatched from Fullerton Airport and took two
Orange County Fire Search and Rescue firefighters from Station 61 to
the scene.

According to McKeown, the helicopter was able to land in a clearing
near Rattlesnake Trail and the firefighters were able to reach the
injured man by foot. Two Laguna Beach fire paramedics already were at
the scene treating the man for neck and shoulder injuries and possible
spine injuries.

The man, whose name was not released by authorities, was flown to
Mission Hospital in Mission Viejo. The two Laguna Beach Fire
paramedics flew with him.

"By having the helicopter they could get the patient who had traumatic
injuries to the hospital quicker and more safely than going down the
trail," McKeown said.