Deschutes County Search and Rescue crews rescue two hikers in back-to-back missions
DESCHUTES COUNTY, Ore. (KTVZ) -- Deschutes County Sheriff's Office Search and Rescue volunteers responded to two back-to-back missions this week, assisting injured and ill hikers in separate areas of the county.
On Wednesday, July 22, a 58-year-old woman from the San Francisco area was rescued from Misery Ridge Trail at Smith Rock State Park after becoming dehydrated and unable to safely descend. On Thursday, July 23, an 18-year-old man from Sunriver was rescued near Green Lakes after injuring his leg.
The woman was transported to St. Charles-Bend for further care. The injured hiker from Thursday was released to friends at the trailhead and also taken to St. Charles-Bend for further evaluation.
Assisting the Deschutes County Sheriff's Office Special Services Deputy and Search and Rescue volunteers were Redmond Fire & Rescue, Bend Fire & Rescue, a Smith Rock State Park ranger and Oregon State Parks staff.
The first mission began at 1:46 p.m. Wednesday, when a Deschutes County Sheriff's Office Special Services Deputy was dispatched to Misery Ridge Trail. The woman was reported to be about two-thirds of the way up the trail and not alert enough to safely descend.
One Special Services Deputy and 10 Deschutes County Sheriff's Office Search and Rescue volunteers responded. Bend Fire personnel and a Smith Rock State Park ranger reached the patient at about 2:40 p.m. and provided initial care. SAR volunteers and the deputy arrived shortly after, evaluated the patient and transported her down the trail using a wheeled litter without incident. She was transferred to Bend Fire at about 4:30 p.m. for transport to St. Charles-Bend.
The second mission began at 1:38 p.m. Thursday, after Deschutes County 911 received a text-to-911 message from an 18-year-old male near Green Lakes reporting a leg injury. Communication with the individual was limited because of poor cell service, and details of the injury were initially unclear.
A Deschutes County Sheriff's Office Special Services Deputy and 12 Search and Rescue volunteers responded. SAR teams hiked about 4.5 miles from the Green Lakes Trailhead and located the injured hiker and a friend, both from Sunriver. It was later learned the two had been descending Broken Top when one tripped and fell, causing the injury. SAR medical personnel evaluated the hiker and determined he could not walk out on his own.
The patient was transported on a wheeled litter back to the trailhead, where he was released to friends who took him to St. Charles-Bend for further evaluation.
The Sheriff's Office reminded outdoor recreators to stay hydrated, carry plenty of water, tell friends or family where they are going and take extra precautions when hiking in hot or smoky conditions. It also thanked SAR volunteers, Redmond Fire & Rescue, Bend Fire & Rescue and Oregon State Parks staff for their assistance.
