Nighttime Water Rescue Incident by Humboldt Bay Fire
10/01/12 08:43 Filed in: Eureka Fire Department
Humboldt Bay Fire units were dispatched to a possible water rescue in Humboldt Bay at the southern end of the first span of the Samoa Bridge. An individual had jumped from the bridge in to the water. California Highway Patrol and Eureka Police officers responded to the top of the bridge and located the individual in the water.
Due to the cold water conditions and darkness this incident was determined to be a High Risk incident for rescue personnel. However, Humboldt Bay Fire units arrived on scene and deployed rescue swimmers in to the bay as they were aware of the reduced survival time of poorly equipped victims. Other personnel prepared for downstream operations should the tide carry the victim away from the rescue swimmers. As the rescue swimmers crossed the 300 foot wide channel, the victim was able to make his way to shore on Indian Island. The rescue swimmers crossed the entire channel in seven minutes, locating the victim laying in mud and grass. At that point the rescue swimmers quickly assessed the patient who was showing signs of severe hypothermia and an altered level of consciousness.
The rescue swimmers then relocated the victim to Highway 255 at the north end of the first span of the bridge where additional Humboldt Bay Fire and EMS personnel were able to begin treatment of the victim. At that point the rescue swimmers were medically assessed due to the cold water temperatures. The victim was transported to St. Joseph Hospital for further treatment. The rescue swimmers declined further treatment.
This incident's success is the direct result of the early notification by passersby, combined efforts of emergency services and the U.S. Coast Guard who provided significant support, and Humboldt Bay Fire's recent formation of a certified Water Rescue Team. Humboldt Bay Fire wants to remind everyone that Humboldt Bay is extremely cold water and can cause hypothermia in a short time. Please use caution around the water.
Due to the cold water conditions and darkness this incident was determined to be a High Risk incident for rescue personnel. However, Humboldt Bay Fire units arrived on scene and deployed rescue swimmers in to the bay as they were aware of the reduced survival time of poorly equipped victims. Other personnel prepared for downstream operations should the tide carry the victim away from the rescue swimmers. As the rescue swimmers crossed the 300 foot wide channel, the victim was able to make his way to shore on Indian Island. The rescue swimmers crossed the entire channel in seven minutes, locating the victim laying in mud and grass. At that point the rescue swimmers quickly assessed the patient who was showing signs of severe hypothermia and an altered level of consciousness.
The rescue swimmers then relocated the victim to Highway 255 at the north end of the first span of the bridge where additional Humboldt Bay Fire and EMS personnel were able to begin treatment of the victim. At that point the rescue swimmers were medically assessed due to the cold water temperatures. The victim was transported to St. Joseph Hospital for further treatment. The rescue swimmers declined further treatment.
This incident's success is the direct result of the early notification by passersby, combined efforts of emergency services and the U.S. Coast Guard who provided significant support, and Humboldt Bay Fire's recent formation of a certified Water Rescue Team. Humboldt Bay Fire wants to remind everyone that Humboldt Bay is extremely cold water and can cause hypothermia in a short time. Please use caution around the water.