Poulsbo Fire responds to medical incidents at PG’s Heritage Park

Poulsbo Fire Department responded to two medical incidents at Port Gamble Forest Heritage Park recently.

On Oct. 2, a mountain biker in the northern section of the trails suffered serious injuries after a fall, a PFD news release says. The victim’s friend who was riding nearby found him unconscious and called 911.

Fire crews responded, using a forestry road to access the patient. The patient was transported to the former Briedablik Elementary property where care was transferred to Airlift Northwest. Due to the severity of the injuries, the victim was flown to Harborview Medical Center in Seattle, the region’s only Level 1 trauma center.

On Sept. 30, a Poulsbo resident suffered a life-threatening medical incident while mountain biking in the south end of the park. He was able to call 911, but could not provide his exact location. Kitsap 911 was able to locate the caller’s approximate latitude/longitude and dispatched FPD.

PFD responded with the battalion chief, a medic unit and an off-road vehicle. Two mountain bikers came across the victim, providing first-aid and assisting emergency responders in locating the patient.

EMTs and paramedics treated the victim at the trail, before transporting him to a medic unit, utilizing the ORV. The victim was then transported to St. Michael Medical Center in Silverdale, the closest Level 2 cardiac care facility.

“These incidents highlight the importance of some simple safety measures to take while mountain biking: Ride with a partner or group; do not exceed your skill level; keep track of your location; and always wear your helmet,” the PFD release states.