DATE/TIME: Saturday, December 17, 2022, 11:01 a.m.
INCIDENT: Technical Ice Hoist Rescue
LOCATION: Mt. Baldy Ridge, Mt. Baldy
VICTIM(S): Janelle Rasich, 34-years-old, Upland
Joseph Rasich, 35-years-old, Upland
SUMMARY: On Saturday, December 17, 2022, Janelle Rasich, Joseph Rasich and their two dogs, went hiking in the Mt. Baldy area. During their hike, they became stuck in steep icy terrain. They attempted to hike and get back on a trail and slid approximately 20 feet. They were able to stop their slide and remained in place. They called 911 on their cellular phone and requested help. There were no injuries reported by either hiker.
Sheriff's Helicopter, 40-KING-1, was dispatched to the area of the GPS coordinates given by Joseph Rasich. The crew arrived in the area, located both hikers and confirmed a hoist rescue would ne necessary. Due to the steep icy terrain, the crew requested assistance from Sheriff's Helicopter, Air Rescue 306. Air Rescue 306 responded with two technical ice rescue team members and hoisted both rescuers down to the hikers. Due to the terrain, the rescuers had to be hoisted below the hikers, then a rope rescue system was put in place to reach the hikers. The rescuers used the rope system to safely lower the hikers to a clear area where they could be hoisted from.
Both hikers and their dogs were placed into rescue harnesses. The crew hoisted one hiker and one dog at a time and transported them to a Fontana Deputy at the San Antonio Dam.
Air Rescue 306 Crew:
Pilot Corporal Ryan Peppler
Crew Chief Deputy Greg Hanrahan
Technical Rescuer Corporal Eric Rose
Technical Rescuer Ean Sanchez
40-KING-1 Crew:
Sergeant Ed Leon
Tactical Flight Officer Deputy Jon Holt
Refer: Ryan Peppler, Corporal
Station: Emergency Operations Division - Aviation Unit
Phone No. (909)252-4100
Case No. 032203475
SHANNON D. DICUS, Sheriff-Coroner
San Bernardino County Sheriff-Coroner Department
