July 9, 2023 - Madera County Sheriff's Office officials would like to remind everyone to stay safe.
As the weekend begins, we’d like to remind both residents and visitors to use caution when recreating in our beautiful outdoors. The weather is warm and the water is cold, which means our Search and Rescue teams & allied agencies have been busy with calls for service these past few weeks.
Medical Rescue at Bass Lake
During the 4th of July weekend, MCSO received a call for service for a female who had fallen along the Willow Creek Trail above Bass Lake, sustaining a large cut to her leg, and reportedly falling in an out of consciousness.
Boat Patrol Deputies, Search and Rescue Deputies, Search and Rescue Volunteers, CAL-FIRE, Madera County Fire, Sierra Ambulance and United States Forest Service responded to the call.
Boat Patrol Deputies were first on scene and discovered bystanders had applied a tourniquet to the patient to stop the bleeding of a deep laceration, about 4 to 5 inches long, down her leg.
The woman, a 72-year-old Fresno County resident, continued falling in and out of consciousness while deputies were providing medical aid. Due to the extended hike out time, Boat Patrol Deputies loaded the female on to a patrol boat and transported her to the Bass Lake Dam. The patient was turned over to Skylife, who transported her to a regional medical facility for treatment of her injuries.
Heat Stroke Victim Rescued by Emergency Crews
Leading into the holiday weekend, the United States Forest Service advised MCSO of a hiker in distress in the Mile High Vista area near Mammoth Pool Reservoir.
The 29-year-old Fresno County resident called family members to report he was dehydrated and was starting to have issues walking. The hiker sent a screen shot of his map to family members, who contacted USFS for help.
While deploying, Search and Rescue crews relayed the last known location of the hiker to a USFS Fire Patrol Unit in the area. USFS crews called out and the hiker was able to communicate his location. The Fire Crews were able to provide the hiker with water and slowly walked him out of the area. The hiker had telling signs of heat stroke and was transported by SAR Deputies to North Fork to meet up with Sierra Ambulance for evaluation.
Juvenile Victims Safely Rescued at Falls Beach
Search and Rescue Crews recently responded to Falls Beach for two juveniles who were sucked under the water. Initial calls to 911 reported two female juveniles with life vests had been pulled under the water at the Falls where Willow Creek enters Bass Lake.
MCSO Boat Patrol Deputies, Search and Rescue Deputies, Search and Rescue Volunteers, CAL-FIRE, Sierra Ambulance and United States Forest Service responded to the call.
Boat Patrol Deputies were first on scene and quickly located the juveniles, who were alert and conscious. Deputies were able to bring the juveniles aboard a Sheriff’s Patrol Boat and transport them to the Falls Beach Recreation Area. The juveniles, both out of county residents, were evaluated by Sierra Ambulance and released to their guardians.
This was the third call this year at the Falls. The location presents hazardous conditions even to the most skilled swimmers. Even though both juveniles were wearing life jackets, the water still overpowered their abilities and equipment.
Safety Message:
* The Sheriff’s Office strongly urges the public to use extreme caution while hiking around rivers and streams.
* Despite warmer temperatures, the water is deadly cold. You can feel the effects on your body in minutes like cramping.
* Use care while outdoors in the heat. Try to limit activity to the early morning hours and stay hydrated.
* We aren’t exaggerating when we say, one slip and fall can change it all.
As always, the Sheriff’s Office would like to remind everyone if you’re heading out to enjoy the National Forest Lands of Madera County, remember STOP:
S – STAY TOGETHER: Most SAR emergencies happen when parties split up. Stay with your partners until you return to your starting point.
T – TURN AROUND... BEFORE IT’S TOO LATE: Trust that feeling of its time to turn back. When you push yourself to go farther, you’re overextending yourself, which can put you at greater risk.
O – OWNERSHIP: You are responsible for your own safety and rescue is never a guarantee. Take ownership of your actions and prepare for the worst.
P – PREPARED AND TRAINED: Bring the gear you need and know how to use it before you go outdoors.
If you would like more information on the “Stop the bleed” program, head over to Community Medical Center’s Website at https://www.communitymedical.org/.../edu.../stop-the-bleed
Source & photo: Madera County Sheriff's Office
