Mt. Eldon search and rescue operation required 21 personnel to rescue injured hiker

Sedona AZ (August 29, 2013) – On Tuesday, August 27, 2013, at 9:45 in the morning, the Coconino County Sheriff’s Office, Coconino County Sheriff’s Search and Rescue, Flagstaff Fire Department, and Guardian Medical Transport responded to a report of an injured hiker on the Eden Lookout Trail, Flagstaff area. The adult female hiker stated that she had injured her knee and was in need of assistance. 

The four agencies rescue personnel responded and hiked up to the injured woman’s location – approximately ½ a mile below the trail lookout tower – then carried her down the mountain to a waiting ambulance in a wheeled litter. The rescue was difficult due to the steepness of the trail and thunderstorm activity in the area.

The litter carry required 21 personnel from the above agencies to conduct this operation. Rescuers were on scene with the patient at 11:38 in the morning, and had the hiker to the ambulance at 2:16 in the afternoon. She was transported to Flagstaff Medical Center for treatment.

The Coconino County Sheriff’s Office and Coconino County Sheriff’s Search and Rescue regularly train with Flagstaff Fire Department and Guardian Medical Transport to be able to effectively and efficiently conduct rescue operations such as this.

Search and Rescue would like to remind hikers to not hike alone, and be prepared for the unexpected injury or if one becomes location disoriented. Hikers should carry at least the Ten Hiking Essentials even on short day hikes. Hikers should always tell someone where they are going and when they plan to return and carry a fully charged cell phone.

Ten Hiking Essentials

• Extra Clothing for the Conditions
• Navigation Equipment (map, compass, GPS)
• Headlamp/Flashlight
• First Aid Kit
• Shelter Material (large leaf bag or space blanket)
• Fire Starting Kit/Matches
• Pocket Knife/Multitool
• Whistle and Signal Mirror
  

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