Sheriff's Aviation rescues a hiker with life-threatening injuries from Bonita Falls
DATE/TIME: Sunday, August 19, 2018, 6:59 p.m.
INCIDENT: Hoist Rescue
LOCATION: Bonita Falls, Lytle Creek
VICTIM: Steven Orozco, 34-year-old male a resident of Fontana
SUMMARY:
On August 19th, 2018, at 6:59 p.m., San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Aviation and Fire personnel responded to a report of an injured male near the base of Bonita Falls in the Lytle Creek area. The injured male, later identified as Steven Orozco, reportedly fell 40 feet while climbing up the falls and sustained major injuries. Orozco was hiking the area with family members, who witnessed the fall and immediately called 911 to report the incident.
Sheriff’s patrol helicopter 40 King 3 arrived at the location to assess the incident and locate Orozco. The helicopter crew located Orozco unconscious on a cliff near the falls. Due to the remote location and extent of injury, it was determined Orozco would need to be hoist rescued. Sheriff’s rescue helicopter Air Rescue 6 responded to the location and rigged up for a hoist rescue.
Two rescue medics were lowered to Orozco from the helicopter to assist with rescue operations. Orozco was secured into a rescue basket and was hoisted up into the helicopter, followed by both medics. Orozco sustained life threatening injuries and was flown to a local trauma center for further medical treatment.
Refer: Corporal Ed Leon
Station: Aviation Unit
Phone No. (909) 252-4100
Case No. 031802294
John McMahon, Sheriff-Coroner
San Bernardino County Sheriff-Coroner Department
Address/Location
SBSD - Fontana Sheriff's Department
17780 Arrow Blvd
Fontana, CA 92335
Contact
Emergency: 9-1-1