A new pilot program between the San Bernardino County fire Department and Sheriff’s Department was put to good use yesterday. A motorcycle rider, who was wearing his helmet and full motorcycle gear—was riding in the desert in Johnson Valley when he lost control of his bike while riding off Bodick Road. The rider suffered minor head injuries. Fire Captain Matt Anderson of the Yucca Mesa fire station said a Sheriff’s helicopter with a fire captain and paramedic on board was called in to transport the injured rider to Arrowhead Medical Center. He said the chopper’s entire flight time, from being dispatched to the patient’s arrival at the hospital was 1 hour 5 minutes, significantly shorter than if the patient had been transported by ambulance, and within the one hour window so critical for head trauma patients.
