On Monday, June 8th, the El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue Team based in South Lake Tahoe, responded to two separate Search and Rescue incidents. Both incidents involved injuries to backcountry hikers.

The first Search and Rescue began at 12:43 PM, when an adult male hiker fell at Cascade Falls causing traumatic injuries. Due to the hiker’s injuries a hoist capable helicopter was requested and provided by the California Highway Patrol. With the assistance of ground personnel from Lake Valley Fire Department, USFS and Cal Fire, rescuers were able to provide care and get the hiker hoisted out and transported to a medical air ambulance helicopter provided by CALSTAR. The victim was then transported to Renown Medical Center for further care.

The second Search and Rescue occurred at approximately 4:00 PM, when a teenage male hiker fell almost 40 feet down a cliff band at Pyramid Creek (Horsetail Falls) Trail, approximately 1 to 2 miles up the trail. The victim suffered traumatic injuries requiring advanced care. With the assistance of ground teams from Lake Valley Fire Department, Cal Fire and California Highway Patrol Air Operations, the victim was hoisted out by helicopter and transferred over to a medical air ambulance helicopter provided by CALSTAR. The victim was then transferred to Sutter Roseville Hospital for further care.

The El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office wants to remind individuals who recreate in the backcountry to be prepared for emergencies. This would include having proper equipment, such as clothing, first aid supplies, maps, food, water and possibly a personal locator beacon. In addition, make sure to advise family and friends of your hiking plans and completing a wilderness permit if necessary.