Search and Rescue - Medical Aid 

October 4, 2023 - Madera County Sheriff’s Office officials report that on October 1, 2023, around 1:30 p.m., the Madera County Sheriff’s Office received a call reporting a fallen hiker who had a possible head injury in the area of Big Sandy Road.

A 67-year-old man from Southern California was hiking on a trail that parallels Big Rainier Creek when he fell off the edge towards the creek. He fell about 20 feet and was stopped by an uprooted stump, suffering an injury to his head and other minor injuries to his arms and legs.

The Madera County Sheriff’s Search and Rescue Technical Ropes Team was called out to rescue the hiker. Fortunately, members of the Ropes Team were returning from a mission in the Mammoth Lakes area and were about 4 miles away from the scene when they were dispatched.

The MCSO Ropes Team, along with Cal-Fire, Madera County Fire, Mariposa County Fire, USFS and Sierra Ambulance quickly arrived on scene and located the patient. After being assessed by Sierra Ambulance personnel, he was secured into a stokes litter and wheel, and guided out of the trail to the awaiting ambulance. The hiker was then transported to a local hospital for further evaluation.

MCSO Deputy Chambers, an integral member of our OES and SAR Teams, reflected, “When taking this photo out at the scene, I couldn’t help but notice all the colors surrounding this hiker. Many different personnel, in many different uniforms, all for the same purpose- Saving Lives.”

We are endlessly thankful for the men and women who come together without hesitation to help support and protect the residents and visitors of Madera County. To these often-unseen heroes… Thank you for your service.

Source & photo: Madera County Sheriff’s Office