At 5:45 p.m., the Altadena Mountain Rescue Team was activated to assist the Los Angeles County Fire Department in rescuing the man who had lost his footing during a climb and had fallen 40 feet, landing at the base of the lower Eaton Canyon Waterfall in the Angeles National Forest. Altadena Mountain Rescue crews, along with Los Angeles County Fire Engine 66 and Squad 11, reached the hiker After hiking for approximately 25 minutes.

The injured hiker was bleeding from his head and complained of back, hip and head pain. The hiker was awake and alert, but due to his injuries, a fire department helicopter airlifted the injured hiker to a local hospital for treatment. Deputy Paige, the Altadena Mountain Rescue Team coordinator said, “It’s always a great feeling when we can reach someone and render aid. Fortunately in this situation, there was someone with him who could call for help. Planning for a day hike is just as important as planning for a vacation, and hiking with a partner increases the chances you will receive help when you need it, please plan accordingly.”

Enjoy Nature – Plan your Hike by filling out the Sheriff’s Department’s Hiking Plan Sheet:

Hiking/Camping is a fun way to get family and friends together to enjoy the outdoors, and to get some physical activity. However, you should always be prepared for the unexpected. You should tell family and friends what your plans are and provide a list of who will be going with you. That’s why the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department would like to remind the residents of Los Angeles County that having a hiking / camping plan is crucial to survival in case of an emergency.

Before you leave, please fill out Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Search and Rescue – Hiking Plan sheet and provide to a loved one to hold onto just in case something happens to a member of your hiking/camping expedition. You can download the form by visiting:
http://file.lacounty.gov/lasd/cms1_163961.pdf

If you would like more information on how to prepare for your hiking / camping trip, please visit the Center for Disease Control’s camping website at:
http://www.cdc.gov/family/camping/