Teen in Critical Condition After Jumping into Shallow Water at Matilija Dam

Nature of Incident:  Injured Person Rescued at Matilija Dam
Report Number:   RB #23-129223 / VNC #23-0086160
Location: 779 S. Matilija Road, Ojai
Date & Time:  October 7, 2023 – 3:15 PM
Victims: 19-year-old male, resident of Santa Cruz County, CA

Narrative:

On the afternoon of October 7, 2023, at about 3:15 PM, Ventura County Copter 9 responded to the Matilija Dam for a traumatic injury.  Copter 9 is the primary rescue aircraft for the Aviation Unit and is staffed with both Ventura County Firefighters, Sheriff’s Deputies, and a Flight Medic from the Search and Rescue Medical Team.

Upon arrival, Ventura County Firefighters and Paramedics from the local fire station were on scene treating the injured patient. The patient had jumped from a boulder and landed approximately 60 feet below into a shallow underwater shelf.  The patient intended to jump into deeper waters but landed in water only about 1 foot deep.  The patient sustained traumatic injuries and was situated in a location with difficult access.  Responding Firefighter Paramedics prepared him for transportation.

Ventura County Copter 9 was dispatched to the location due to the remote access as well as the severity of the injures.  Upon arrival, the patient was hoisted into Copter 9 and continued to receive care in the aircraft from the Flight Paramedic.  The patient was flown to Ventura County Medical Center for his injuries.  The flight time from the location to the Trauma Center was less than 10 minutes.

Rescues of this nature are very dangerous for paramedics, firefighters, the aviation crew, and bystanders alike.  The Ventura County Aviation Unit would like to remind people to stay clear of all rescue operations and watch from a safe distance.  Failure to maintain safe distances or interference with rescuers would delay the care of victims and potentially cause further injury.  Rescue helicopters generate significant downdraft and can send debris hundreds of feet in every direction.

The Ventura County Aviation Unit is a partnership between the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office and the Ventura County Fire Department.  Together the agencies provide staffing to the unit and respond to a variety of missions to include firefighting, search and rescue, medical calls, and law enforcement.  The unit is staffed 365 days a year with highly trained Firefighters and Deputy Sheriffs.  The Aviation Unit patrols and responds to all cites and areas of Ventura County regardless of which municipal police or fire department has primary jurisdiction.