Author: eeek
Date: 09-05-08 07:25
YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK
Injured Hiker's Life Saved Through Prompt Action
On the afternoon of Sunday, August 31st, rangers received a report that a man had taken a significant fall off the Upper Yosemite Falls trail. Helicopter 551 was ordered for a rappel and/or short-haul mission, while rangers and SAR site personnel blitzed up the trail. A second 911 caller reported that the man was still alive but had sustained multiple injuries.
Rangers Jack Hoeflich and Keith Lober rappelled onto the trail and were joined by ranger Rob Lewis, who had blitzed up the trail in record time. The three rangers reached the man, who was found in the inner gorge, and determined that his injuries were life-threatening. A park visitor was on scene with him and had clearly helped prevent his death by providing aid, keeping him calm, and helping rescuers reach him. Short-haul operations commenced, with Hoeflich attending the victim through the flight to Ahwahnee Meadow. At the meadow, medical care was provided by a doctor, nurses, paramedics and park medics. The patient was transferred to an air ambulance and was in flight to the hospital two hours and 15 minutes from the first 911 call. The extraordinary teamwork, talent and professionalism of the rangers, SAR site personnel, fire personnel, clinic staff and the heroic bystander saved the man's life.
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