Hikers injured at Horsetail Falls and Cascade Falls

Two different backcountry hikers needed to be rescued by the El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue Team on Monday, June 8.

The first incident was at 12:43 p.m. when an adult male hiker fell at Cascade Falls, resulting in traumatic injuries. With the assistance of ground personnel from Lake Valley Fire Department, USFS and Cal Fire, rescuers were able to provide care and get the hiker hoisted out on a California Highway Patrol helicopter. The CHP helicopter transferred the hiker to a CALSTAR medical air ambulance, and then transported to Renown Medical Center in Reno.

The second incident occurred at approximately 4:00 p.m. when a teenage male hiker fell almost 40 feet down a cliff band at Pyramid Creek (Horsetail Falls) Trail, approximately 1 to 2 miles up the trail. The victim suffered traumatic injuries requiring advanced care. Search and Rescue once again received assistance of ground teams from Lake Valley Fire Department, Cal Fire and California Highway Patrol Air Operations. The victim was hoisted out by helicopter and transferred over to a CALSTAR medical air ambulance helicopter where he was then transferred to Sutter Roseville Hospital for further care.

The El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office is reminding people who recreate in the backcountry to be prepared for emergencies. This would include having proper equipment, such as clothing, first aid supplies, maps, food, water and possibly a personal locator beacon. In addition, family and friends should be informed of your hiking plans and complete a wilderness permit, if necessary.