Oceano Dunes SLOSAR Fatality

code3cowboy · #1 (**permalink**) 05-25-2009, 01:47 AM

Search and Rescue volunteer dies after being struck by an ambulance at Oceano Dunes - KSBY 6 Action News Santa Maria, San Luis Obispo, Paso Robles-

A San Luis Obispo Sheriff's Dept. Search & Rescue (SAR)volunteer was killed at the Oceano Dunes State Vehicular Recreational area on Sunday afternoon when he was apparently struck by an ambulance responding to a first aid call.

Both the ambulance and the SAR member were responding to the same call. The SAR member was riding a 4-wheel drive ATV, used to patrol and assist State Park Rangers at the popular tourist location. The SAR member was assigned to the heavily trafficked recreational area as part of the normal holiday weekend deployment of Sheriff's resources.

"I want to express my heartfelt sympathy and gratitude to the family of our deceased search and rescue member, who gave his life today trying to help someone in trouble. I also want to acknowledge the pain this must be causing the ambulance staff, who immediately tried to save their brothers life at the scene,"said San Luis Obispo Sheriff, Pat Hedges.

The California Highway Patrol will investigate the collision and will be lead agency in determining the facts surrounding the death.

BlueZebra · #2 (**permalink**) 05-25-2009, 09:56 AM

Very Sad. Brings back many memories of being a SLO SAR member (and Medical Team Leader), and the many weekends spent at Pismo in the 70s and 80s. Very, very sad.

ShawnInPaso · #3 (**permalink**) 05-26-2009, 12:08 AM

I heard this incident as it was originally dispatched but didn't think much of it as the radio reports soon went quiet (and the CHP page has minimal info), now of course I know why.

The local media (KSBY) reports that the SAR individual was riding the quad runner in front of the ambulance as they both proceeded to an incident. The quad lost control after peaking a steep dune and as the ambulance came up and over directly behind him was unable to stop in time.

My condolences to the family.

GADGETPRONE · #4 (**permalink**) 05-26-2009, 02:36 PM

I was just driving into SLO at this time on Sunday, if I remember correctly an EMS vehicle went the opposite direction of me. Before dark I went to Laguna lake and met several SAR team members practicing with their canines....I was in town to locate places I lived and went to school back in 1976 -1977.