10/08/2026
At sunset on Wednesday October 7
SEFD and PVFR were dispatched to a medical call related the to protest at Lochiel, which is an active law enforcement incident. The call was initiated by a private citizen.
In accordance with ICS ( Incident Command System, which governs all emergency responses) protocol,
The departments made contact with CBP (Customs and Border Protection) who is in command of the incident, and were informed that they had two EMTs on scene with the individual, and we were not needed. Furthermore the scene was dynamic and not fully secured by law enforcement, which is a prerequisite for medical personnel entering a scene. Both departments stood down their crews based on these conditions.
Due to communication issues in that area a PVFR unit did arrive on scene before receiving the stand down order. This resulted in them arriving and engaging with law enforcement resources on scene who told them the same thing that the chiefs had been told. They also encountered civilians who were deeply concerned about the individual at the center of the call.
When PVFR departed some people formed the impression they were abandoning the patient/their duty. An understandable misconception, and PVFR would like to clarify that both departments are dedicated to providing whatever emergency services we are capable of promptly and safely. We have had further dialogue with CBP and Santa Cruz County Sheriff's Office to facilitate clear communications and effective response under the challenging conditions of this ongoing enforcement incident.
