DATE/TIME: Sunday, January 23, 2022, 12:45 p.m.
INCIDENT: Hoist Rescue
LOCATION: Cucamonga Saddle, Mt. Baldy, Ca.
SUSPECT(S): N/A
VICTIM(S): Sarahi Rodriguez, 31-years-old, Huntington Park, Ca.
SUMMARY: On Sunday, January 23, 2022, Sarahi Rodriguez and a friend went hiking to Cucamonga Peak, in the Mt. Baldy area. During the hike, Rodriguez went off trail, fell and slid approximatley 20', hitting a tree which stopped her fall. Rodriguez had facial injuries and believes she lost consciousness from the fall. The friend placed a 911 call, requesting help, stating Rodriguez was injured and could not hike any longer.
Sheriff’s Rescue Helicopter, Air Rescue 306, was on a different hoist rescue in the Yucca Valley area and was unable to assist. Sheriff's Patrol Helicopter, 40-KING-2, was dispatched to the area to look for Rodriguez. The crew arrived and located her in steep, icy terrain. The crew determined a hoist rescue would be needed to get Rodriguez to safety.
40-KING-2 hoisted a medic, who is qualified for technical ice rescues, down to Rodriguez. The medic had to use crampons which are attached to the medic's boots, allowing him to operate in steep, icy, technical conditions. The medic also had to anchor himself before he released the hoist hook from his harness. The medic secured Rodriguez into a rescue harness and she was hoisted up to the helicopter, then flown to paramedics for further treatment. The crew returned and hoisted the medic back to the helicopter.
40-KING-2 Crew: Pilot - Corporal Ryan Peppler
Crew Chief - Corporal Chris Mejia
Hoist Rider/Medic - Reserve Deputy Gordon Yee
Refer: Ryan Peppler, Corporal
Station: Emergency Operations Division - Aviation Unit
Phone No. (909)252-4100
Case No. 032200217
SHANNON D. DICUS, Sheriff-Coroner
San Bernardino County Sheriff-Coroner Department
