Two horseback riders were rescued by helicopter Saturday morning after they were thrown from their horses and trampled along the Santa Margarita Trail, according to the North County Fire Protection District.
https://youtube.com/shorts/bqUeFHOH4AQ? View of rescue from Fallbrook
The incident was reported at 11:26 a.m. on Aug. 23, about two miles from the trailhead parking lot. Crews from North County Fire responded to reports of traumatic injuries.
"This incident was run through the North County Fire Protection District. We had a call for traumatic injuries. We had some horse riders who were knocked off their horses and trampled on. They suffered moderate to acute injuries. They were both transported to Palomar Medical Center via Copter 3 from the San Diego City Fire Rescue. Our fire department helped coordinate a hoist operation and a successful transfer of care to Copter 3, which took the two patients to Palomar. They're on the Santa Margarita Trail system, approximately 2 miles from the parking lot," said Capt. Choi.
Because of the remote location of the accident, firefighters requested a helicopter to assist with a hoist operation. Crews used what's known as a "rescue bag" to lift the injured riders from the trail and transfer them into San Diego Fire-Rescue's Copter 3.
"This was really the best-case scenario," Choi said. "Copter 3, a Black Hawk, comes with a paramedic on board, which meant our medics didn't have to leave with the patients. That freed up our crews and kept two ambulances available to serve the district and we were able to cancel all other air support."
Choi explained how hoist rescue operations typically happen. "The helicopter lowers a rescuer down to the patients, who helps package the first rider into a rescue bag for transport. After they are hoisted up, the second rider is secured into a two-person rescue bag and lifted into the airship with the rescuer alongside them."
"Our team coordinated the hoist, and Copter 3 transported both patients to Palomar Medical Center," Choi said. The condition of the riders was not immediately released.
The Santa Margarita Trail system, a popular destination for hikers and horseback riders, winds through steep and rugged terrain, making access difficult for ground crews in emergencies or as a place for a helicopter to land. "This incident is a reminder of how challenging rescues can be on our trail systems.
Fallbrook residents Dave and Stephanie Baxter saw the helicopter come in and out of the valley from their property. Stephanie expressed how thankful she is for our rescue teams. "We're grateful to have the resources that allow us to reach people quickly when they're in need."