Mt. Jefferson Wilderness hiker strikes self with machete, prompting rescue
CAMP SHERMAN, Ore. (KTVZ) -- A Redmond man who accidentally struck himself in the leg with a machete while hiking in the Mt. Jefferson Wilderness Area Saturday evening was rescued in a three-hour operation, Jefferson County sheriff's deputies said.
The 27-year-old man, whose name was not released, called 911 around 7:10 p.m. Saturday to report the injury in an area northwest of Camp Sherman, Undersheriff Marc Heckathorn said.
The man and his traveling companion wrapped the wound and began hiking out, Heckathorn said, but were still a couple of miles from the trailhead when they called for help.
Sheriff's deputies and Search and Rescue personnel from the Camp Sherman Hasty Team headed to the scene, along with Sisters Camp Sherman Fire District medics, an Oregon State Police trooper and a U.S. Forest Service Law Enforcement officer.
Heckathorn said the man walked as far as he could and met the first units to arrive on the trail, who provided advanced medical care.
A wheeled litter was hiked in and the man was brought to a waiting ambulance at the trailhead. He then was brought about a half-mile to a waiting Air Link helicopter, which flew him to St. Charles Bend for further treatment.
"The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office would like to thank all those involved with the rescue and remind everyone SAR assets statewide are very stressed during the COVID-19 pandemic," Heckathorn said in a Facebook posting.
"We ask people to please be extra-cautious during this time and to choose where they go wisely," the undersheriff added.
