SUNDERLAND — A mountain biker was flown to the hospital Wednesday night following an injury on Mount Toby off of Bull Hill Road.
First responders received the report of the injured mountain biker shortly before 8 p.m. The Sunderland Fire and Police departments made contact with the injured individual and South County EMS provided lead emergency care, according to a statement from the Fire Department.
The biker was transported off the mountain using the Fire Department’s utility vehicle and was taken to an open area on Route 116, where a landing zone for a LIFE STAR medical helicopter was established. Reached by phone on Thursday, Deputy Fire Chief Mike Zeoli said he did not have details on the patient’s injury.
Along with Sunderland first responders, the Fire Department thanked the Shelburne Control Dispatch Center, South County EMS, LIFE STAR, the Whately Police Department and the Deerfield Police Department for their assistance. Nine Sunderland firefighters responded.
Two of Sunderland’s fire engines set up the helicopter landing zone along Route 116. Due to its proximity to the state route, two additional police departments were called in for “crowd control” at the landing scene, according to the Fire Department’s statement. Due to this, the Fire Department issued guidance to remind the public about proper landing zone safety:
■In general, all bystanders and non-emergency vehicles should remain away from any area where a landing zone is being set up or in use.
■Bystanders and non-emergency vehicles must stay at least 100 yards away from a landing zone for security purposes. Any violation must be reported to the pilot and “the landing may be aborted, which in turn will affect patient care and transport.”
■Never point white light at an aircraft — including media cameras, laser pointers or flash photography — as it could temporarily blind the pilot.
Chris Larabee can be reached at clarabee@recorder.com or 413-930-4081.