Clarington: In a dramatic rescue,Clarington Emergency and Fire Services saved a woman who accidentally drove her ATV over a cliff, plunging more than 125 feet or 38 metres into Lake Ontario.
The emergency call came in on Saturday, July 20, at 6:03 pm. The accident happened on Lakeshore Road in Newcastle. Four trucks with 14 volunteer and full-time firefighters responded. Crews used their rope rescue training; two firefighters rappelled with a rescue stretcher down to assist the woman. She was safely rescued and rushed to hospital with the assistance of Ornge patient transportation and paramedic services.
“Our crews train monthly in various rope rescue scenarios,” said Clarington Fire Chief Gord Weir. “This was a textbook scenario executed exactly how we train. Our crews did a remarkable job in the heat and humidity to help the victim as quickly and as safely as possible,” added Chief Weir.
Safety is crucial when enjoying outdoor summer activities. Whether you’re riding an ATV, a boat, or a motorcycle, you need to have the proper safety equipment and know your surroundings. Do not get too close to the cliff edge and watch for land erosion.
Serious Injuries
The 39-year-old Toronto woman is recovering from multiple, serious injuries.
The female was placed on a stretcher and brought back up the cliff. She was transferred to a Toronto trauma centre by air ambulance with serious but non-life threatening injuries. She is recovering in hospital.
Investigators do not believe alcohol or drugs were a factor in this collision and it appears to have been operator error.
The DRPS Marine Unit attended the next morning and removed the ATV from Lake Ontario and it will undergo a mechanical inspection.