Chinese Camp, United States - September 24, 2024

In a heart-stopping rescue that unfolded shortly after 1 pm today, the California Highway Patrol's helicopter H-30, alongside California State Parks and San Rafael Fire Department, executed a lifesaving operation at China Camp. The incident involved an adult female who suffered a critical fall from a cliff's edge onto the rocky shoreline, subsequently entering the bay water.

The woman, who sustained major multi-system trauma from the fall, was initially reached by San Rafael firefighters who heroically navigated the treacherous terrain to provide immediate aid. Despite the severe injuries, the first responders managed to extricate her from the water's edge, where the situation was perilous due to the potential for further injury or hypothermia.

With precision and urgency, CHP H-30's Flight Officer, doubling as a paramedic, coordinated the hoist operation. The patient was secured into a rescue device, and under the watchful eyes of the rescue team, she was lifted from the rocky shore to safety aboard the helicopter.

Once aboard, the patient was swiftly transferred to a waiting San Rafael Fire Ambulance, which rushed her to a local trauma center for emergency treatment. Her condition remains serious but stable, thanks to the prompt and coordinated efforts of the rescue teams involved.

This dramatic rescue marks the 101st mission for H-30 in 2024, underscoring the relentless commitment of these services to safeguarding lives in the most challenging scenarios. The incident at China Camp serves as a stark reminder of the dangers associated with coastal cliffs and the critical role of emergency services in such life-threatening situations.