High Sierra Topix

H-82 was called to to the Mt Whitney trail (12,000 ft) for a party that activated his In-Reach emergency locator. The hiker had become lost the previous evening and did not have overnight gear. He reported he was cold and had no more food or water. When morning came, he managed to make it to Trail Camp where he said he had hurt his knee and was unable to descend any further.

H-82 launched from Apple Valley equipped for a high altitude rescue, only to be met by a hiker who wanted a ride to his vehicle. He did not want transport to the hospital or airport where medical services were waiting. Apparently, he wasn’t as injured as he originally reported as he refused rescue and hiked out on his own because the helicopter would not land at his car.

Needless to say, please make sure you need help before you activate a locator beacon. Play safe out there!

While we are happy this hiking/backpacking story has no life-threatening injuries, this is an important reminder for folks: please please do not activate your emergency satellite messaging device unless you absolutely need to.