State Park Ranger II

Department of Parks and Recreation

6/4/1983

Special Act Award (Gold)

On June 4, 1983, at approximately 11:30 a.m., State Park Rangers Paul G. Holman and William L. Robinson responded to an emergency call that a young woman was caught in Upper Green Valley Falls at Cuyamaca State Park. The victim's foot was wedged in the boulders beneath a ten foot cascade of icy water and her head was being held above water by an injured male companion. Secured by a lifeline, Ranger Robinson plunged into the cascade, relieved the victim's friend and attempted to fasten ropes around the woman for support. Failing, he positioned himself precariously on a slippery ledge above the victim and continued to hold her head out of the water. Ranger Holman joined Ranger Robinson and stood below the woman on a small rock trying in vain to overcome the force of the water and free her trapped foot. By now the victim was experiencing difficulty breathing. The rangers attempted to provide lifesaving air with a rubber hose, but the victim, suffering from the extreme cold, clamped her jaw closed. Approximately 15 minutes later, a forestry crew lowered an air pack to the rangers. With the air pack securely fastened, park personnel asked for volunteers from a crowd of approximately 150 people to assist with diverting the water. A human chain formed and with the use of sandbags, the flow was lessened and the woman was removed to safety after more than an hour of being submerged in below 40 degree water. Both rangers were suffering from exhaustion and shock from the cold water when the rescue was completed.