Scanner traffic indicates a medical rescue is underway regarding reports of a downed motorcyclists near the Big Signal Lookout Tower. The motorcyclist is reportedly suffering from a broken hip near the summit of Big Signal Peak, only accessible by rough, rural roads.
Scanner traffic indicates a helicopter is responding to the incident with the intention to hoist the patient.
Several agencies have been requested to the incident including Potter Valley Fire and Ukiah Valley Fire Authority. Lake Pillsbury Fire has also been requested to responded to the incident because they are considered closer.
UPDATE 3:41 p.m.: The helicopter reported they have landed about one mile below the patient and arrangements are being made to get the patient to the landing zone. One of the responding firefighters has been instructed to pick up the litter from the helicopter as they ascend the mountain.
UPDATE 4:12 p.m.: A second helicopter is landing on the mountain providing more rescuers and rescue equipment. The first Reach air ambulance crew successfully hiked to the patient who is being described as conscious and alert. For interested readers, you can watch the rescue in real-time by visiting the Alert Wildfire Eden Valley webcam.
UPDATE 5:13 p.m.: The patient has successfully been extricated from the mountain after the helicopters engaged in a patient switch. All the ground crews were cancelled and due to the remoteness of the incidence, they never reached the scene.
Many huge thanks to those first responders who got my guy out of there so quickly. He’s got a broken hip but otherwise ok
I would love to interview your buddy about his experience and how the rescuers did their thing. Pretty amazing story I think. Feel free to email me at matthewplafever@gmail.com