Sonoma County Sheriff’s Press Release

On 8-15-10 at about 9:40 am, the Sonoma County Sheriff’s Helicopter, “Henry-1,” was paged out for a cliff rescue at South Gerstle Cove.  An abalone diver had become nauseated, ill and distressed in the surf. He was able to make it to shore but was stranded by the steep, rocky cliff from receiving further medical attention.

Henry-1 arrived on scene and coordinated with the Sheriff’s resident coast deputy, State Parks rangers and lifeguards, Timber Cove Fire Dept. and Cal Fire rescue personnel on scene.  It was determined that best patient care, given the circumstances and location, was to bring the patient to the top of the bluff via a long-line rescue.

Henry-1′s Tactical Flight Paramedic, Scott Westrope, was long-lined down to the patient via a 100-foot line attached to the bottom of the helicopter.  The patient, who was packaged up by rescue personnel, was then long-lined back up to the top of the bluff, accompanied by Medic Westrope on the long-line.  The patient, a 40-year-old Rohnert Park resident, was then transported via ambulance to a local hospital.

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