Public Works

Public Works Blog

CCPW operators respond to cyclist in need of help

Posted On: April 12, 2021

Road crews hit the road with COVID precautions in place

(Photo above: Curtis McClellan, seated, and Earl Griffith were grading on Shady Pass when they came upon a stranded bicyclist having a medical emergency.)

 

In Chelan County, it’s not unthinkable to seek out a country road that climbs above the foothills or snakes its way through a canyon. Many of us like to recreate off these roads for the solace they provide.

But if you suddenly find yourself in an emergency on one of these remote, cell-free roads, it may take a whole lot of luck – or a grader and a big red truck – for help to find its way to you.

Chelan County Public Works operators Earl Griffith and Curtis McClellan were in the right place at the right time recently when they came upon a stranded bicyclist in the midst of a medical emergency. The pair on April 5 was grading on Shady Pass, past Twenty-Five Mile Creek State Park on Lake Chelan, when they came upon the cyclist.

Griffith, who has been with public works for 15 years, was headed up to the dirt section of the remote roadway in a county grader when he passed the cyclist making his way up the steep road. When Griffith headed back down, where he met McClellan driving a county truck, the two noticed the bicyclist now laying on the side of the road.

“I figured he was resting,” Griffith said.

Waving his yellow safety vest at the men, the cyclist called out that he needed their help. He was experiencing a burning sensation in his chest and numbness in his left arm. He had no way to contact help, as there is no cell service on the pass.

Trained in first aid and CPR, Griffith and McClellan stepped in. McClellan, who has been with public works for five years, immediately called for help on his truck radio. Back in Wenatchee, the road supervisor heard the call come in and made calls to RiverCom and the cyclist’s wife.

It would take about 30 minutes before an ambulance from Chelan was able to reach the group on Shady Pass. In the meantime, Griffith and McClellan watched over the cyclist, ready to intervene with CPR if needed. They asked him questions about his past medical history and for his driver’s license in case the cyclist was to lose consciousness, McClellan said.

“We stayed with him and made sure he was comfortable and warm,” Griffith said.

All crew members at public works complete first aid and CPR training on a bi-annual basis. Crews often see car accidents when working, but this is the first time either Griffith or McClellan has come upon a citizen experiencing a medical emergency. The men agreed that they relied on their training that day on Shady Pass. As for the bicyclist, he was recovering at home.

“Our crews are trained in first aid and CPR for just this kind of situation,” said Kermit McClellan, foreman of the Chelan District. “Their training alerted Earl and Curtis to the seriousness of this issue and their fast action probably saved this gentleman’s life.”


Older Articles

Road crews hit the road with COVID precautions in place

Posted On: June 04, 2020

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Headed to the MRWF? Secure that load for safe travels!

Posted On: December 11, 2019

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Code of the West: A reminder that life is different in the country

Posted On: September 06, 2019

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The Code of the West was adopted in 2002 by Chelan County commissioners. It is not a formal code, but rather a philosophy or friendly advice for peopl...

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It's always wise to stay off the (wet) lines

Posted On: June 18, 2019


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In an emergency, don't let your address delay help from reaching you

Posted On: January 15, 2019

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Posted On: November 08, 2018

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Preserving a piece of Cashmere's history

Posted On: October 22, 2018


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Posted On: September 07, 2018

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County to build year-round moderate risk waste facility

Posted On: September 07, 2018

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2018 road preservation project revs up

Posted On: May 03, 2018


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Chelan County Calendar

Upcoming events and schedules at the county!

  • 26
    Apr 2024
    09:30 AM - 10:30 AM

    Public Meeting: Public Canvassing Board Meetings

    Posted by: Chelan County Elections

    The Canvassing Board of Chelan County, pursuant to RCW 29A.60.160, will hold public meetings at the dates and times listed below. The meetings of the Canvassing Board are open, public meetings under the applicable provisions of chapter 42.30 RCW, and each meeting shall be continued until the activity for which the meeting is held has been completed.

    Chelan County Auditor’s Office
  • 24
    Apr 2024
    06:30 PM - 08:00 PM

    Planning Commission - April 24th, 2024

    Posted by: Community Development

    400 Douglas Street
  • 24
    Apr 2024
    07:00 PM - 08:00 PM

    Assessor's Office Community Meeting: Entiat and North Wenatchee

    Posted by: Chelan County Assessor

    Chelan County Assessor Wes Cornelius invites property owners and all interested parties to attend one of four community meetings scheduled this spring throughout the county.

    Wenatchee Valley Fire Station No. 11
  • 23
    Apr 2024
    09:00 AM - 08:00 PM

    Special Election Day - Manson Parks & Recreation District voters only

    Posted by: Chelan County Elections

    Election Day

  • 15
    Apr 2024
    08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

    Registration in person at our office

    Posted by: Chelan County Elections

    Registration Deadline in person at our office.