Public to Lend a Hand to Emergency Responders

All those who work in emergency medical  services know the term, the “Golden Hour.”

Coined by Dr. R. Adams Cowley, founder of the R. Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center in Baltimore, the Golden Hour means the delicate time frame that exists between the moment a person is critically injured and the time they receive interventional trauma care.

North County Fire Authority (NCFA) serving Brisbane, Daly City and Pacifica does not have the means to reach and remove patients safely, quickly and efficiently from certain off-road areas within the district. Montara Mountain is one of these areas of particular concern for the 24 firefighters of the two local Pacifica Fire Stations.

A popular destination of mountain bikers, dog walkers, hikers and equestrians who come from all over the Bay Area to enjoy spectacular views from its steep and untamed roads and trails, Montara Mountain is treacherous to access by emergency personnel.

Standard vehicles entering through the overgrowth of the Pedro Mountain Road can barely travel as far as the turn-off to the Boy Scout camp and that only with considerable risk of damage to equipment. With no Life Flight helicopter landing location available, fire personnel are forced to carry patients, sometimes long distances, to a point where they can be transported. These manual carries pose safety issues for fire personnel because of the heavy loads and uneven ground and the delay can be crucial for those with injuries. .

Included among the other local spots difficult to access are San Bruno Mountain, Thornton Beach, the upper areas of Mori Point, Mussel Rock Beach, San Pedro Park and the remote areas of Linda Mar and Sharp Park beaches.

Looking to make rough terrain rescues easier and more efficient, the NCFA recognizes that an all-terrain emergency vehicle is a life-saving solution, specifically the 6X6 Polaris Ranger/Rescue.

This all-terrain rescue unit has a roll bar, a top speed of 45 mph, lights and a siren. It features a seat in the bed for the medic and a space for a Stokes basket. (A Stokes basket is a metal wire or plastic litter used in search and rescue.) With the current economic crisis in California negatively impacting all fire departments, financing for such a vehicle is a challenge.

Today, Wednesday, June 30, from 6 to 9 p.m., the Pacifica Chamber of Commerce invites the public to help the Fire Department purchase an off-road rescue vehicle by attending “Hearts On Fire.”

Held at Pacifica’s Park Mall, the event features rockabilly king Dave Crimmen and his band, along with performances by Sue’s Performing Stars, Family Martial Arts Center of Pacifica, American Fencers Supply Co. and Curves.

Free hors d’oeuvres provided by Upper Crust Deli and Goodfella’s Pizza.

There will also be a no-host bar. Donation is $20.
 

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