A traumatic scene unfolded after a utility worker is rescued overnight in the Feather River Canyon.
A daring rescue operation occurred in the late evening hours of Friday, June 16th, when a powerline worker was successfully saved after a 30-foot plunge down a granite slope at the Bucks Creek Powerhouse in the Feather River canyon.
The worker had lost his footing while inspecting power lines above the Bucks Creek Powerhouse and sustained major injuries. The site is part of a long-term construction project related to the penstocks that feed the power station.
The fall happened around 9 pm, Plumas Search and Rescue say It took nearly two hours for a site supervisor to hike to the victim, determine the need for help, and then hike to a spot to activate an emergency beacon. Just before midnight, The distress call was sent out, prompting a rapid response from the Search and Rescue (SAR) team.
Due to the challenging terrain and the nature of the injuries, it was decided that a hoist rescue would be necessary to evacuate the victim for medical care. However, the darkness of the night posed an obstacle, as California Highway Patrol (CHP) policy prohibited hoist rescues during nighttime.
Undeterred, SAR units, an EMS unit, and the worker’s coworkers worked tirelessly throughout the night to stabilize the patient and keep him warm until daylight. As dawn broke on June 17, a new crew from Northern Division Air Operations arrived at the scene just after 6 AM.
The CHP helicopter used its hoist to lower rescue equipment to the personnel at the incident site. With the victim secured, the rescue team hoisted him up to the helicopter, ensuring his safety. He was then taken to a staging area at Rodgers Flat, where an awaiting air ambulance took over his care and swiftly transported him to a nearby trauma center.
The construction project at the Bucks Creek Powerhouse had emergency plans in place, demonstrating the importance of pre-planning and training with Plumas County Search and Rescue, the contractors, and Northern Division Air Operations. This collaborative effort proved vital in executing a successful rescue operation.
This incident serves as a reminder of the risks powerline workers face daily and the unwavering dedication of emergency response teams who put their lives on the line to save others.
