Ballard Man in Serious Condition

Santa Barbara County Fire Department helicopter 308 responded to an immediate medevac request yesterday, after AMR reported serious head trauma to a man at 1740 Lewis Street in Ballard. The victim, a 65-year-old male who fell approximately 35 feet to the ground while trimming a tree, was first met by County Fire Engine 30 along with AMR. Helicopter 308 responded with firefighter paramedics on board and was able to provide life support to the patient while enroute to Cottage Hospital. The helicopter had been on its way to help US Forest Service officials handle a brushfire near Paradise Road, County Fire officials said.

Captain David Sadecki, public information officer for County Fire, said the victim was in serious condition when he met up with the medevac team at Elings Park. “I don’t know what the outcome [of his injuries] was. Once we drop him off at the hospital, we cannot follow-up on his injuries,” Sadecki said. “He was in serious condition. I believe he had facial and head injuries, as well as leg and arm injuries.”