DATE/TIME: 7/4/22, 12:30 p.m.
INCIDENT: Hoist Rescue
LOCATION: Joshua Tree National Park
VICTIM(S): Gregory Nawrocki, 57, resident of Desert Hot Springs, CA
SUMMARY: On July 4, 2022, Gregory Nawrocki went on a hike in Joshua Tree National Park. He followed the Boy Scout Trail from the trailhead parking lot and hiked several miles in a northbound direction. While hiking, he suffered a heat-related emergency and could not continue hiking. Gregory was alone and called 911. He advised he needed help. Due to the remote location and steep, rugged terrain, Fire Dispatch requested Sheriff's Aviation for a hoist rescue.
The crew of Air Rescue 308 responded to the scene and after completing an extensive search, located Gregory lying down on the trail. The crew hoisted a rescuer down to Gregory and he was placed in a rescue harness. Gregory was then hoisted to the helicopter, followed by the rescuer. Hoist lengths reached 175'.
Gregory was transported by the crew to awaiting medical personnel staged at the trailhead. Gregory was evaluated and transported to a hospital for treatment and care.
Crew of Air Rescue 308:
Pilot - Daniel Futscher, Lieutenant
Crew Chief - Chris Mejia, Corporal
Medic - Jay Hausman, SBCFD Captain
Medic - Michael Demoff, SBCFD Engineer
Refer: Corporal Chris Mejia
Station: Emergency Operations Division - Aviation Unit
Phone No. (909) 252-4100
Case No. DR# 092201076
SHANNON D. DICUS, Sheriff-Coroner
San Bernardino County Sheriff-Coroner Department
