Lost Marion Mountain Hiker

September 11, 2016
Marion Mountain Trail Idyllwild
2016-042

Written by Cameron Dickinson

At home on September 11, 2016 I received a call from our Call Captain to see if I was available to perform a hoist of a lost male hiker in steeper terrain not far the Marion Mountain Trail. Team member Eric Holden received a call as well, with both of us being dispatched to meet at Hemet-Ryan Airport.

Once I arrived at the airport, I was briefed by Sheriff’s Aviation regarding the situation with our lost hiker. Aviation was out a few minutes earlier and located our lost hiker just above the steep canyon, and return back Airport to pick us up. Because of the limited room in the helicopter, I would be sent out first for the hoist with Eric on standby.

We went up and headed over to the area where our hiker was previously located. Luckily the hiker stayed in place and didn't walk off. We circled an area and located a large open clearing that would be safe enough to lower myself down, and hoist our subject out. I was lowered down and hiked over about 1/8th of a mile to where our hiker was waiting. I reached our hiker and confirmed he was safe. Evidentially he had separated from his adult children during their hike.

From there I would walk the hiker over to the clearing as Aviation would need to return back for a re-fuel. During that period, I would suit up our subject and prepare him for a hoist out. Aviation would return, hoist our subject up, and myself thereafter. From there we would fly over and land near the awaiting Deputy, which would drive him back over to a parking lot to be reunited with his family.

RMRU Members Involved: Cameron Dickinson and Eric Holden.