News.bytes Extra, issue 374

Midway Fire Station Personnel Provide EMS Coverage during 2008/2009 OHV Season at the Imperial Sand Dunes Recreation Area

During the 2008/2009 Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) winter season at the Imperial Sand Dunes Recreation Area  managed by the Bureau of Land Management's El Centro Field Office, two personnel from Engine 3134, Midway Fire Station of the Bakersfield Field Office, provided Emergency Medical Services (EMS) at the Basic and Advanced Life Support Levels.  Fire engine operator/paramedic Brian Puckett and assistant fire engine operator/first responder Rex Hambly responded to all types of medical aid incidents ranging from simple first aid to severe trauma to urgent medical emergencies in an area referred to as the “North Dunes,” an area of approximately 80,000 acres of sand dunes with no definable road system.  Puckett and Hambly were "resource ordered" to ISDRA to help supplement seasonal EMS staff on major holiday weekends where crowds of OHV enthusiasts ranged from 100,000 on President’s Day Weekend to more than 220,000 over Thanksgiving Weekend. (text continues below)

An OHV enthusast jumps a dune at the Imperial Sand Dunes Recreation Area

Puckett participated in all four of the holiday weekends of Halloween, Thanksgiving, New Year's, and Presidents' Day, for a total of 28 days or 336 hours.  Hambly participated in Presidents' Day Weekend for a total of 6 days or 71 hours.

Imperial Sand Dunes Recreation Area  management and staff have requested the continued support from the Bakersfield Field Office and Midway Fire Station personnel as EMS support for future winter OHV seasons.

Fire engine operator/paramedic Brian Puckett tends to emergency medical equipment

A BLM emergency vehicle takes to the dunes

- Brian Puckett, 3/09

BLM-California News.bytes, issue 374