Oceanside CA— On Sunday evening, July 19, 2015, at approximately 6:40 p.m., Oceanside units were dispatched for a rescue traffic collision at El Camino Real and Vista Oceana in Oceanside.
Oceanside Engine 2113 arrived within four minutes after dispatched, and found a vehicle approximately 100 feet below El Camino Real; it had rolled several times after leaving the paved surface and over a cliff.
The incident occurred during a rain storm, which is believed to have been a contributing part of the accident. One adult male patient, with serious injuries, was found to be trapped inside of the vehicle.
Initial medical care was provided by Oceanside Engine 2113 and Medic 2197 approximately 100 feet below El Camino Real. As crews descended to the patient, they encountered muddy and slick conditions due to the heavy rain; but they continued to the patient and began advanced life support measures.
Due to the terrain and inclement weather, a Technical Rescue extrication was implemented. It was led by Oceanside Ladder Truck 2177 and assisted by Oceanside Engine 2112, 2117, and 2118.
A rope system was used to lower additional crews and equipment, and to extricate the patient back onto El Camino Real. The patient was extricated within 57 minutes after dispatch, and transported by Oceanside Medic 2196 to the Oceanside Airport where REACH Air took over patient care.
The patient was transported via air ambulance to Scripps La Jolla Trauma Center