Tag: Hiker

GRIFFITH PARK—On April 10, it was reported by the LAFD that they rescued a hiker at 5 p.m. on Toyon Trail.

LAFD Ground and Air Response with Los Angeles City Park Rangers to an adult male hiker who reportedly sustained a snake bite while on a remote section of the Toyon Trail in Griffith Park.

The patient was transported in fair condition by Park Rangers to the nearby Toyon Helispot, where the patient is being transferred to the LAFD helicopter, which has landed.

The LAFD Flight Paramedics will provide in-flight care during direct transport to an area hospital stocked with antivenom, that is awaiting their arrival. No details on the type of snake that bit the hiker has been disclosed to the public.

By Trevor

GRIFFITH PARK—On February 16, the Los Angeles Fire Department reported that a hiker had to be rescued in Griffith Park.

The incident was reported at 10:13 a.m. at 4730 Crystal Springs Drive. Firefighters on the ground and in the air coordinated efforts to locate and assess a hiker, a 44-year-old female, with an isolated ankle injury in Griffith Park.

Due to the hiker’s remote location, helicopter personnel are initiating a hoist operation and air transport to a local hospital. No additional details about the incident have been disclosed to the public.

By Trevor

HOLLYWOOD HILLS—On Wednesday, January 1, the Los Angeles Fire Department reported that they rescued a hiker.

The incident was reported at 8:50 a.m. at 1872 N Curson Avenue. The LAFD Air Ops prepared a hoist operation and transport for a 63 year-old female hiker with an non-life threatening lower extremity injury. No additional details about the incident have been disclosed to the public.

By Trevor

PACIFIC PALISADES—The Los Angeles Fire Department reported on Friday, November 8 at 11:29 a.m. that they had to rescue a hiker at 20825 Entrada Rd.

Preliminary details indicate the LAFD ground and air response to an ill adult female hiker on a remote section of the Musch Trail / Backbone Trail in Topanga State Park.

An LAFD Rescue Helicopter lowered a Flight Paramedic to medically assess and stabilize the patient, who will soon be hoisted along with the LAFD Flight Paramedic into the hovering helicopter for continuing in-flight care during direct air transport to an area hospital.

By Trevor

PACIFIC PALISADES—On Saturday, October 20, the Los Angeles Fire Department reported that a hiker had to be rescued with a hoist operation. The LAFD reported at 12:27 p.m. at 20825 Entrada Rd.

Officials received at 12:04 p.m. The LAFD Air Ops located the approximately 39-year-old female hiker in medical distress (non-traumatic) and conducted a hoist operation to follow on with air ambulance transport. No further details about the rescue have been disclosed to the public.

By Trevor

GRIFFITH PARK—On Sunday, October 6, the Los Angeles Fire Department reported that they had to rescue a hiker near Mt. Hollywood Drive at 8:39 a.m. Firefighters and paramedics located one hiker with a medical emergency in a remote area approximately one mile from Griffith Observatory.

The LAFD Rescue Helicopter hoisted the patient and directly transported to a local hospital by air. No additional details about the incident were reported to the public.

A hiker was also rescued by officials on Saturday, October 5 in Hollywood Hills. That incident was reported at 12:31 p.m. at 3824 Mt Lee Dr. A female, approximately 45-years-old sustained a lower extremity injury in a remote area near the Hollywood sign.

Paramedics located her and provided treatment on the ground prior to preparing her for a hoist. The LAFD Rescue Helicopter performed the hoist operation to bring her out of the remote area and is transported her to a local hospital in fair condition.

By Trevor

GRIFFITH PARK—On Sunday, September 22, the Los Angeles Fire Department reported that they rescued a hiker near 2800 E. Observatory Rd. The incident was reported at 7:26 p.m.

Park Rangers located the hiker down approximately 75 feet from the ridge. The hiker was uninjured but stuck in a precarious location.

Park Rangers deployed a rope rescue system and lowered a rescuer to secure the patient. As firefighters met them on scene, they were conducting a raising operation to rescue the individual. The patient was safely brought topside and evaluated to ensure no injuries. No additional details about the incident was disclosed to the public.

By Trevor

PACIFIC PALISADES—On Saturday, September 21, the LAFD indicated that they rescued a hiker near Temescal Fire Road. The incident was reported at 10:02 a.m. The LAFD Air Opps located and is conducting a hoist operation with transport for a 40-year-old male in medical (non-traumatic) distress.

By 10:41 a.m., the LAFD provided an update on the incident. After further evaluation of the location and disposition of the patient resulted in the decision to transport the patient by ground ambulance. There were no additional details about the incident disclosed to the public.

By Trevor

STUDIO CITY—On Sunday, August 18, the Los Angeles Fire Department reported that at 7:31 p.m. they assisted in the rescue of a hiker at 8521 Mulholland Dr.

The LAFD Ground and Air Response rescued a fatigued but uninjured teen male hiker in steep terrain within 122 acres of Fryman Canyon Park.

An LAFD Rescue Helicopter has lowered a Flight Paramedic to assess the patient, was hoisted along with the LAFD Flight Paramedic into the hovering helicopter for transfer to a safe landing location at a nearby fire station. There were no reports of any injuries. No additional details about the incident have been disclosed to the public.

By Trevor

HOLLYWOOD HILLS—On Friday, August 9, the Los Angeles Fire Department reported that they had to rescue a hiker in Hollywood Hills West.

The incident was reported at 1:59 p.m. at 2000 N. Fuller Avenue. Firefighters located a 40-year-old male hiker in moderate distress with signs and symptoms of a heat related illness. The LAFD Air Ops is preparing a hoist operation with follow on air ambulance transport. The 9-1-1 call was received at 1:34 p.m., no additional details about the incident has been disclosed to the public.

By Trevor

PACIFIC PALISADES—On Sunday, August 4, the Los Angeles Fire Department indicated they responded to a scene to assist a hiker who needed rescuing in Pacific Palisades.

The LAFD reported the incident at 10:46 a.m. at 20825 Entrada Rd. The LAFD Air Operations located the uninjured, lost male hiker and is conducting a ‘capture’ operation. Due to the precarious location of the hiker, it is safer to conduct a capture (the rescuer is lowered and safely attaches the hiker) versus a standard hoist operation.

Air Ops will then transport the patient to a helispot to meet ground-based firefighters so they can assist the hiker in returning to his transport. A 911 call was received at 10:17 a.m. No further details about the incident have been disclosed to the public.

By Trevor

PACIFIC PALISADES—On Sunday, July 14, the Los Angeles Fire Department reported at 9:32 a.m. near Temescal Fire Rd.

Paramedics have been lowered from LAFD helicopters to assess and treat a 53-year-old male patient in a remote location of Topanga State Park. No additional details about the incident has been disclosed to the public.

By Trevor

PACIFIC PALISADES—On Saturday, July 6, officials with the Los Angeles Fire Department helped rescue a hiker who was injured in the Santa Monica Mountains.

The incident was reported at 3:37 p.m. The LAFD ground and air response assisted a 66-year-old female hiker suffering from exhaustion on the Bienveneda Trail north of Leacock Trail near Topanga State Park.

An LAFD Rescue Helicopter lowered a Flight Paramedic to help medically assess and stabilize the patient, whose condition was undetermined.

The patient and LAFD Flight Paramedic was hoisted into the hovering helicopter for continuing in-flight care during direct air transport to an area hospital.

By Trevor

PACIFIC PALISADES—On Saturday, June 22, the Los Angeles Fire Department reported that at 11:41 a.m. a hiker had to be rescued at Temescal Ridge Trail near Pacific Palisades.

The LAFD Ground and Air Response to an ill 55-year-old male hiker dehydrated and unable to walk in hot weather near the conclusion of his journey on a remote section of the Temescal Ridge Trail.

An LAFD Rescue Helicopter lowered a Flight Paramedic to medically assess and stabilize the patient, who has been hoisted along with the LAFD Flight Paramedic into the hovering helicopter for continuing in-flight care during direct air transport to an area hospital. No additional details about the incident have been reported to the public.

By Trevor

PACIFIC PALISADES—On Saturday, June 15, the Los Angeles Fire Department reported a hiker was rescued in Topanga State Park. Officials were alerted at 11:08 a.m. The LAFD ground and air team responded to a 72-year-old male hiker with head trauma after he fell on a remote section of the Backbone Trail near Rivas Canyon.

An LAFD Rescue Helicopter lowered a Flight Paramedic to medically assess and stabilize the patient, who will soon be hoisted along with the LAFD Flight Paramedic into the hovering helicopter for continuing in-flight care during direct air transport to an area hospital.

By Trevor

GRIFFITH PARK—The Los Angeles Fire Department rescued a hiker who was injured in Griffith Park on Wednesday, May 29. The incident was reported to the Fire Department at 11:50 a.m. at 4730 Crystal Springs Dr.

Park rangers on-scene in a remote area of Griffith Park about an injured male hiker, approximately 23 years old, with an ankle injury.

The LAFD’s helicopter crew lowered a paramedic down to the patient, while ground crews made access to the remote location with vehicles capable of navigating Griffith Park’s narrow trails.

Due to steep and difficult terrain, personnel with the LAFD decided to hoist the patient into a helicopter and transport him to a nearby hospital for further treatment. No additional details about the incident have been disclosed to the public.

By Trevor

PACIFIC PALISADES—On Saturday, May 18, the Los Angeles Fire Department noted that a hiker was rescued in the Santa Monica Mountains. The LAFD reported at 12:01 p.m. the LAFD Ground and Air Response responded to a 28-year-old female hiker with an apparent ankle fracture, on a remote section of the Temescal Ridge Trail in Topanga State Park.

An LAFD Rescue Helicopter lowered a Flight Paramedic to medically assess and stabilize the patient, who be hoisted along with the LAFD Flight Paramedic into the hovering helicopter for continuing in-flight care during direct air transport to an area hospital. No additional details about the incident were reported to the public.

By Trevor

HOLLYWOOD HILLS—On Thursday, May 9, the Los Angeles Fire Department disclosed they rescued a hiker in Runyan Canyon. The LAFD were informed at 7:20 p.m. of a hiker who suffered injuries near 2469 N. Solar Drive.

The 35 year-old hiker sustained injuries secondary to a 15-foot fall in a remote area of Runyon Canyon. Crews on the ground and in the air coordinated to locate and assist the patient, who was able to walk down the trail.

He was able to meet an LAFD paramedic ambulance for treatment and was transported to a local hospital for treatment.

By Trevor

GRIFFITH PARK—On Sunday, April 28, the Los Angeles Fire Department announced they rescued a hiker in Griffith Park. Officials were alerted of the hiker needing help at 10:26 a.m. near Hogback Trail.

The LAFD Ground and Air Response with L.A. Park Rangers responded to an adult female hiker with an injured ankle on a remote section of Hogback Trail west of Vista del Valle Drive in Griffith Park.

An LAFD Rescue Helicopter lowered a Flight Paramedic to medically assess and stabilize the patient, who was hoisted along with the LAFD Flight Paramedic into the hovering helicopter for continuing in-flight care. The victim was taken to an area hospital for further evaluation via direct air transport. No additional details about the incident have been disclosed to the public.

By Trevor

HOLLYWOOD HILLS/GRIFFITH PARK—The Los Angeles Fire Department reported on Sunday, April 21, that they rescued a hiker near the Hollywood sign.

The incident was reported at 8:36 a.m. of 1 female hiker needing assistance near the Hollywood sign. The lone hiker was isolated after suffering from a lower extremity injury in a remote area of the Hollywood Hills.

Rescuers on the ground and LAFD Air Ops coordinated a hoist operation and air transport to a local hospital for the injured hiker. The Los Angeles Fire Department did not have any additional details to report about the incident.

By Trevor

HOLLYWOOD HILLS—The Los Angeles Fire Department announced a hiker was rescued on Sunday, April 14. The LAFD reported the incident transpired at 10:56 a.m. at Nichols Canyon.

The LAFD Ground and Air Response assisted an adult male hiker with an apparent ankle fracture, on the Lower Trebek Trail east of Nichols Canyon Road in the Santa Monica Mountains.

The patient was hoisted aboard a hovering LAFD rescue helicopter in fair condition and will receive continuing in-flight care from LAFD Flight Paramedics during direct helicopter transport to a regional trauma center for treatment. No other details about the incident have been disclosed to the public.

By Trevor

BRENTWOOD/TOPANGA CANYON—A hiker was rescued at Topanga State Park on Sunday, April 14, the Los Angeles Fire Department reported.

The incident was reported at 1:49 p.m. LAFD Ground and Air Response to an adult male hiker with an apparent left knee facture, in remote terrain between Sullivan Fire Road and Rustic Creek in Topanga State Park.

An LAFD Rescue Helicopter was able to locate the hiker and lowered a flight paramedic to medically evaluate and stabilize the 58-year-old man. He was hoisted aboard the hovering helicopter for in-flight care during direct transport to an area hospital to be treated for injuries sustained.

By Trevor

LOS FELIZ/GRIFFITH PARK—On Monday, April 1, the Los Angeles Fire Department indicated that they rescued a hiker north of Mount Hollywood Tunnel in Griffith Park. The incident was reported at 2:48 p.m.

LAFD Ground and Air responded to a 24-year-old female hiker in fair condition with a fractured ankle. The hiker was hoisted aboard a hovering LAFD helicopter.

They were transported to receive in-flight care during direct transport to regional trauma center for injuries sustained. No additional details about the incident were disclosed to the public.

By Trevor

PACIFIC PALISADES—On Sunday, March 31, the Los Angeles Fire Department disclosed that a hiker was rescued. The LAFD reported at 8:08 p.m. a hiker was rescued in the Santa Monica Mountains.

The LAFD ground and air responded to an adult male hiker stranded in darkness on a rain-soaked remote section of Temescal Ridge Trail south of Skull Rock in Topanga State Park.

A hovering LAFD Rescue Helicopter found the man and lowered a Flight Paramedic to perform an initial medical assessment. The hiker indicated he was uninjured. He and the LAFD Flight Paramedic were hoisted aboard the hovering helicopter, to shuttle the victim to a safe location beyond the wilderness.

By Trevor

PACIFIC PALISADES—On Saturday, April 22, a 64 year old man suffering from an ankle injury was airlifted out of a remote portion of Josepho Spur Trail near Pacific Palisades.

Emergency personnel received a 911 call Saturday morning and dispatched an LAFD helicopter to the location. After a short search they were able to find the man on the trail west of Murphy Ranch Stables.

Fire officials lowered a paramedic to the injured man and rendered aid. He was later transported to a nearby hospital.

It is unknown if the hiker was by himself when fire fighters arrived on the scene.

Hiking, backpacking, and camping come with risks. In 2017, 117 people died from hiking, camping, or backpacking accidents in the United States. There are numerous reports of people dying during hiking trips in the Santa Monica Mountains which is where Josepho Spur Trail is located.

In 2020, a 41 year old woman died of heat exhaustion while hiking in the Santa Monica Mountains during a heat wave where temperatures were ranging up to 110 degrees.

The woman was hiking with a friend and began to feel sick, so the pair turned around and headed back toward the car, according to preliminary reports from the LA County Sheriff’s Department. Her friend called paramedics after the woman collapsed. She was later pronounced dead at 2 p.m. that day.

Many hikers may not realize how long or difficult a particular trail is until it’s too late. It is advised that hikers take hikes around the mornings or late afternoons and stick to trails that are less difficult if you are a less experienced hiker.

The Santa Monica Mountains are home to one of the most diverse and unique ecosystems in the world, a Mediterranean-type environment characterized by warm dry summers and wet winters. This geologically active region is marked by alternating canyons and peaks, which characterize many of the trails in the area. The Woolsey Fire burnt vast swaths of the Santa Monica Mountains, with many areas robbed completely of their tree cover and shade which can also pose a danger to hikers.

The National Park Service advises hikers to plan ahead and follow basic safety precautions and are encouraged to recognize and adhere to their own personal limitations. Extra water, food, sun protection, flashlight, map and compass, multipurpose tool, warm clothes, waterproof matches, emergency blanket, and first-aid kit are all essential items hikers should carry with them according to NPS.

By Christianne

GRIFFITH PARK—On Sunday, January 8, a 20-year-old man fell around 2898 East Observatory Road in Griffith Park and suffered traumatic injuries. It is unknown what led up to the accident. 

A 9-1-1 call was received around 3:03 p.m. prompting firefighters to be dispatched to the region.

Fire personnel assessed the scene and determined that an air hoist operation was needed due to the terrain and the injuries. The victim was transported to a hospital to be treated. His condition is unknown.

By Christianne

GRIFFITH PARK—A hiker was rescued in Griffith Park on Sunday, January 2 after getting injured.  Firefighters and Park Rangers located an adult female hiker with a non-life threatening injury at 2899 E Observatory Rd.

LAFD Air Ops utilized a hoist operation and hospital transport for the victim. The initial 9-1-1 call was received at 12:09 p.m.  No further details about the incident has been disclosed to the public.

BRENTWOOD—On Saturday, July 31, at approximately 8:27 a.m., firefighters with the Los Angeles County Fire Department (LAFD) responded to the 2600 block of North Westridge Road in Brentwood for a mountain biker rescue.

“A 37-year-old male mountain biker sustained traumatic injuries in a remote area of Mandeville Canyon,” LAFD spokesman Nicholas Prange said in an official announcement.

LAFD Air Ops lowered a firefighter-paramedic rescuer to provide treatment and prepared the patient for a hoist operation. The LAFD air ambulance transported the patient to a local trauma center for further care.

The condition of the patient was not immediately known at the time of transport.

By Danielle