On Sunday, November 20, 2016, Orcas Island Fire & Rescue was dispatched at 1:15 p.m. to rescue an injured mountain biker, “a few miles in on Powerline trail in Moran State Park.”

The on-duty Battalion Chief, Paramedic, and the OIFR Technical Rescue Team located the best access route and began a long hike up the side of Mt. Constitution. Following a steep and lengthy hike into the area, the patient, a 31-year-old female mountain biker from Sammamish, was located. The patient was treated at the scene for injuries, pain and exposure. Once treated, she was stabilized for the lengthy and difficult extrication to carry her out. OIFR’s technical rescue team used mountain rescue ropes and mechanical advantage tools for safety. The process of carrying the patient from the accident location to the awaiting ambulance took over an hour to complete.

A total of more than 20 responders were on scene for the call which took a total of 4 hours and 36 minutes. Additional support from San Juan County Sheriff’s Deputies and State Parks was required as well.

OIFR’s technical rescue team trains year round for scenarios such as this. Their diligent training and dedication ensured both the patient and all personnel were safely removed from the precarious scene.

The patient was transported to St. Joseph Hospital in Bellingham in stable condition.