Full Notification

DATE/TIME: Sunday, March 19, 2017 2:10 p.m.

INCIDENT: Hoist Rescue

LOCATION: Lake Arrowhead - Aztec Falls

VICTIM: 1-year-old male

SUMMARY:
On Sunday, March 19, 2017, the victim was at the area known at Aztec Falls near Lake Arrowhead during a day hike with family. The family members and the victim were near the top of a 25’ waterfall when the victim and a family member fell down the waterfall and into the pool below. The victim was underwater for a short time before being pulled from the water. Witnesses called 911 and requested assistance. Due to the remote location, as well as the age of the victim, Sheriff’s Air Rescue 7 was requested.

The crew of Sheriff’s Air Rescue 7, Corporal Michael Gilley, Crew Chief Deputy Wayne Hess, Doctor Steve Patterson and Deputy Gordon Yee arrived and located the victim at the base of the waterfall. The crew determined a hoist rescue was the quickest way to get the victim out of the location. Doctor Patterson was hoisted down and found the victim was breathing. Doctor Patterson performed an assessment of the victim and determined the victim needed to be transported to the nearest trauma center for evaluation. The victim was hoisted into the helicopter and flown to a nearby trauma center for treatment. Medical staff determined the child did not suffer any injuries.



Refer: Cpl. M. Gilley

Station: Aviation Unit

Phone No. (909)252-4100


John McMahon, Sheriff-Coroner
San Bernardino County Sheriff-Coroner Department