Inyo SAR Incident Shepherd Pass Trail 7/23

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Inyo County Sheriff's Dept:

H-80 was requested by Inyo County Sheriff's Office to assist with a rescue of a hiker on the Shepherd Pass trail. The hiker had experienced some acute medical issues above 12,000 feet for an extended period of time and started to make his way down from high elevation. His two hiking companions assisted the distressed hiker down the trail until it was too dangerous to continue. The companions very wisely called the Sheriff’s Department for assistance.

H-80 responded from Apple Valley and, after offloading some equipment at Lone Pine airport for weight, responded to the hiker’s location at 10,700 feet. A semi level area was located near the hikers and an offsite landing was made. The flight officer exited the helicopter and retrieved the hiker while the pilot kept the rotor blades turning. Once loaded in the helicopter the hiker was transported to Southern Inyo Hospital in Lone Pine for treatment of his condition.

The hiking party is to be commended for their actions hiking as far as they could to self rescue, but making a wise choice to call for help when the condition worsened. This has been a busy summer in the Eastern Sierra’s so far with no signs of slowing. Please be careful out there!