MADERA COUNTY MOUNTAIN COMMUNITIES – The Madera County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) Search and Rescue (SAR) has been very busy! On Saturday, Aug. 15, they performed three back-to-back rescues in the Madera County mountain communities.
Search and rescue is strenuous even under the best of circumstances and working in extreme conditions (especially with the recent heat wave) creates even more pressure for the rescue crews.
On Saturday, Aug. 15, a 40-year-old woman sustained major injuries on the Willow Creek Trail between Angel Falls and Devil’s Slide. This required SAR to assist the injured party, who was eventually transported to a Fresno-area hospital.
Soon after this rescue another 40-year-old woman experienced medical issues on the Lewis Creek Trail, requiring rescue crews to bring in her family in order to provide further medical care.
If that wasn’t enough for one day, a 40-year-old man was later injured at Big Rainier Creek near Fish Camp. SAR was once again called out, attending to the injured party and later having him transported by Sierra Ambulance to John C. Fremont Hospital for treatment.
On Tuesday evening, Aug. 18, a 43-year-old man was seriously injured while at Angel Falls. After an extended rescue effort performed by SAR, he was transported by SkyLife to a Fresno trauma center.
The MCSO would like to remind everybody who participates in mountain recreation that safety should be considered at all times.
STOP and Remember
S – STAY TOGETHER: Most SAR emergencies happen when parties split up. Stay with your partners until you return to the trailhead.
T – TURN AROUND…BEFORE IT’S TOO LATE: The only cure for altitude sickness is rapid descent. If you feel sick, turn around. With the increased temperatures, a slight elevation change – even from the valley floor to the mountains – can cause altitude sickness.
O – OWNERSHIP: You are responsible for your own safety and rescue is never a guarantee.
P – PREPARE AND TRAIN: Bring the gear you need and know how to use it before you hike.
The MCSO would also like to recognize all of the search and rescue public safety partners that are always there to assisit with their hard work. This includes:
@mariposaso @usfs @calfire @maderacountyfiredept @chp_centraldivision_airops @skylife_ca
