By Erika I. Ritchie
Orange County Register
NEWPORT COAST, Calif. — A 50-year-old mountain biker was airlifted today after going over his handlebars while riding a trail at Crystal Cove State Park, authorities said.
Orange County Fire Authority was called to the coastal wilderness park at about 9:30 a.m. after reports of a mountain biking accident.
The man was riding with a group on Rattlesnake Trail in the park about 1.25 miles inland from Laguna Beach’s El Morro Elementary School, said OCFA Capt. Greg McKeown.
“They had just come downhill and looked back and didn’t see him,” McKeown said. “They went back and found him on the trail.”
An OCFA helicopter was dispatched from Fullerton Municipal Airport and took two Orange County Fire Search and Rescue firefighters from Station 61 to the scene.
According to McKeown, the helicopter was able to land in a clearing near Rattlesnake Trail and the firefighters were able to reach the injured man by foot. Two Laguna Beach fire paramedics already were at the scene treating the man for neck and shoulder injuries and possible spine injuries.
The man, whose name was not released by authorities, was flown to Mission Hospital in Mission Viejo. The two Laguna Beach Fire paramedics flew with him.
“By having the helicopter they could get the patient who had traumatic injuries to the hospital quicker and more safely than going down the trail,” McKeown said.
Copyright 2009 Orange County Register