A traffic collision on the northbound I-15 on October 12 caused a vehicle to plunge down an embankment in the Cajon Pass. The San Bernardino County Fire Protection District (SBCoFD) and San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department (SBSO) conducted a joint "over the side rescue" operation.
The official report from SBCoFD states firefighters discovered one car around 100-150 feet off the freeway with two occupants. One individual self-extricated, while the other remained trapped. Utilizing a synergy of resources, rescue crews used the "Jaws of Life" to free the second victim, and simultaneously initiated a rope rescue system to transport one of the victims back to the roadway safely.
The San Bernardino County Sheriff Air Rescue, dispatched early during the operation, airlifted and provided transport forb the more critical patient. A firefighter-paramedic from SBCoFD was directed into the scene to assist with patient care and loading. Both patient and rescuer were then airlifted to a nearby trauma center.
