Injured Bicyclist Airlifted From Helen Putnam Park

SONOMA COUNTY, CA — A woman was flown by helicopter Saturday from Helen Putnam Park for treatment of injuries she suffered in a bicycle crash, a Petaluma Fire Department official said. Crews with Petaluma and North Bay fire departments were dispatched to the park just west of city limits at 10:39 a.m. Jan. 4, Petaluma FD Battalion Chief Chad Costa said.

When ambulances and engines were not able to access the woman's location because of the terrain, battalion chiefs' vehicles were used to take paramedics and additional personnel with gear to where she was, Costa said.

Paramedics found the woman suffering from moderate injuries so a Sonoma County sheriff's helicopter crew was requested.

A Petaluma FD paramedic continued caring for the patient as she was loaded into "Henry 1" and, in order to continue providing care, the paramedic stayed with the patient during the flight to Santa Rosa Memorial Hospital, Costa said.

The coordinated effort of multiple agencies, including Sonoma County Parks personnel, allowed for the patient to arrive at the hospital within 40 minutes, according to Petaluma FD.