Big Bear Lake, CA – On Wednesday, October 11, at approximately 8:12 p.m. a San Bernardino County Sheriff’s helicopter responded to the Castle Rock area in reference to a hiker who slid off a large rock and onto a cliff. The 17 year old male from Apple Valley was stuck on the cliff and was unable to get to safety. The crew located the hiker using GPS coordinates through a friend’s cell phone.
The crew determined that a night vision hoist rescue was needed to get the hiker off the steep cliff. The Crew Chief lowered the Tactical Flight Officer down to the hiker using the helicopter’s external hoist. Once on the ground, he placed the victim into a rescue harness and the hiker was then hoisted up to the helicopter. The victim was flown to Big Bear Airport, treated by San Bernardino County Fire personnel for complaints of pain and released to his guardian.
Hikers are encouraged to always be prepared when hiking in the mountains, higher altitudes, or the high desert. No matter the weather, anticipate the unexpected and pack the appropriate clothes for snow, cold and rain.
