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Paraglider Recovering from Injuries

Rescued by Helicopter from Remote Area Near Crestline

By Michael P. Neufeld
Friday, September 11, 2009

Crestline, CA - An unidentified paraglider is recovering today from minor injuries sustained when his paraglider went down in a remote area near Crestline off Playground Road.

A paraglider takes advantage of thermals near Crestline. (Photo by mountain resident.)

Crest Forest Fire personnel were notified Wednesday, September 9, that the 46-year-old paraglider was down near the old Pacific Pines Camp about 11:19 a.m. after apparently striking a tree.

Chief Michael Sherman requested that a Sheriff's Department helicopter, designated 40-King, and Search and Rescue personnel be dispatched to the area.

Sheriff's deputies also arrived on scene to coordinate the search effort.

About 15 minutes after the search began, 40-King spotted the victim and directed rescue personnel to him. After assessing the patient, who was reportedly suffering chest pains, it was determined that a hoist rescue was required.

Air Rescue 306 was brought in and hoisted the patient before flying to Valley of Enchantment Elementary School, where a secure landing zone was established while school was in session.

A paramedic from BE94 was picked up for patient care and the man was transported to Loma Linda University Medical Center.

A media advisory from Crest Forest Fire indicated the victim had minor injuries from the crash, but was airlifted due to pre-existing medical conditions.

Several launch sites are available for paragliders in the mountain communities including one off Highway 18 near Crestline. (Photo by mountain resident.)

This article was first published on Thursday, September 10, 2009 at 8:10 pm. This article has been viewed 1781 times.

Michael P. Neufeld, RIMOFTHEWORLD.net Managing News Editor, is a graduate of the Dwight Bentel School of Journalism at San Jose State University. His first job out of San Jose State was with the Associated Press in Los Angeles as overnight Radio Editor. Prior to joining RIMOFTHEWORLD.net, Neufeld was editor of two weekly newspapers—THE MOUNTAIN NEWS and CRESTLINE COURIER-NEWS. He also has experience as editor of an employee newspaper for a major utility company and during his tenure as executive director of the San Jose State University Alumni Association served as faculty advisor to the association's monthly newsletter. He also spent eight years in commercial radio doing everything from news to advertising sales and writing commercials to being an announcer and on-air personality. Neufeld is actively involved the mountain communities including serving as master of ceremonies for the Arrowhead Arts Music Festival held each summer.

The views expressed in this article do not necessarily reflect those of RIMOFTHEWORLD.net. This column is copyrighted by Michael P. Neufeld.