Full Notification

DATE/TIME:  Saturday, November 11, 2017, at 2:39 p.m.                  
 
INCIDENT:    Hoist Rescue                                                                      

LOCATION:   Castle Rock, Big Bear
 
VICTIM:  Matthew Sorich, 19-year-old, resident of Santa Clara
 
SUMMARY:
On November 11, 2017, at 2:39 p.m., the victim and his friends were rock climbing near Castle Rock Trail in Big Bear. The victim lost his footing and fell 15 feet from a large boulder. The victim had initially lost consciousness and sustained non-life-threatening injuries to his face, head and arm. One of the victim’s friends reported the incident to Sheriff’s Dispatch and requested assistance.
 
Sheriff’s patrol (40K1) and rescue (AR306) helicopters were immediately responded to the location to rescue the victim. The crew of 40K1 coordinated with San Bernardino County Fire to determine the location of the victim. Fire personnel assessed the victim’s injuries and requested a hoist rescue due to the remote location and rugged terrain.  
The crew of AR306 arrived at the incident location and initiated a hoist rescue. A sheriff’s rescue medic was lowered to the victim from the helicopter to assist with rescue operations. The victim was secured into a rescue basket and was hoisted up and into the helicopter, followed by the medic. The victim was flown to a local hospital for further medical treatment.
  
Refer: Corporal E. Leon             
Station: Aviation Unit
Phone No.:  (909) 252-4100          
Case No.:   BLR1701208
 
John McMahon, Sheriff-Coroner
San Bernardino County Sheriff-Coroner Department