Multi-Casualty and Fatality Cliff Rescue in Daly City

On August 30, 2014 at 4:36 A.M., 1 Chief Officer, 6 Fire Companies, 1 Special Operations Rescue Unit, 1 Coast Guard Helicopter, and 2 Transport Ambulances were dispatched to a report of a multi-casualty cliff rescue incident located below a coastal hillside at Westridge and Palisades Drive in Daly City.

The first arriving fire companies were advised by law enforcement that 3 victims had fallen and were located on the beach after apparently falling approximately 250 to 300 feet. Firefighter/Paramedics made access to the area where patients were found and quickly implemented advanced life saving protocols and measures.

The United States Coast Guard was activated, as well as its helicopter to remove patients from the remote beach area. Firefighter/Paramedics and United States Coast Guard using a rescue basket, air lifted the injured patients to a landing zone where the victims were continued to be treated by Firefighter Paramedics.  Two patients were transported by transport ambulances to a trauma center with serious injuries. Unfortunately, one victim did not survive with the recovery being completed by firefighters in coordination with law enforcement and the Corners Office.

The incident was mitigated in approximately 5 hours.