Pacific Crest Trail Hiker Airlifted Near Webber Peak
A Garmin SOS brought CareFlight to a hiker suffering from dehydration.
1 min read
SIERRA COUNTY – A Pacific Crest Trail hiker was airlifted from near Webber Peak to a Truckee hospital on the evening of Friday, October 9, after activating a Garmin SOS device to request medical help, according to the Sierra County Sheriff’s Office. Sheriff Mike Fisher says the hiker was suffering from dehydration.
The California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services State Warning Center notified the Sheriff’s Office of the Garmin alert. Sierra County Search and Rescue personnel and United States Forest Service Tahoe Engine 362 began heading toward the hiker’s remote location while a CareFlight helicopter responded from Truckee, the Sheriff’s Office said.
CareFlight landed near the hiker, provided assistance, and flew the patient directly from the trail to the hospital. Fisher said the helicopter arrived before the ground teams and its crew was the only unit to reach the hiker. The ground response was canceled after the patient was transported.
The Sheriff’s Office also thanked the Washoe County Sheriff’s Office RAVEN helicopter, which was placed on standby in case a hoist rescue became necessary.