Sierra Madre Search & Rescue: Team Assists in Search of Missing Teenage Hikers in O.C.

From Sierra Madre Search & Rescue:

As our local weather begins to improve, the Sierra Madre Search and Rescue Team has seen an increase in search and rescue activity.  During the month of April 2013, the SMSR Team responded to eleven individual calls for assistance,  including a multi-day search in Orange County.Missing Hikers, Trabuco Canyon, Orange County:  The Team was requested on April 2nd to support a multi-agency request by the Orange County Sheriff to assist in the search for two missing teenage hikers in the Trabuco Canyon area.  SMSR joined other Los Angeles County search and rescue teams on the second day of what would become a high profile 4 day search. SMSR personnel were deployed on a number of search assignments in very difficult terrain. Thick, 6-10 foot high brush and steep terrain made for difficult search conditions.  Several assignments involved Team members being inserted via hoist from rescue helicopters. Additional personnel filled key roles in the Incident Command Post (ICP).  The first missing hiker was successfully located late on April 3rd and was airlifted to a local hospital. The second hiker was located on a cliff on April 4th and was rescued via hoist by Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Air-5 rescue helicopter.  She was transported to the UCI Medical Center for treatment. The operation was secured at 4:15 p.m. on the 4th, almost 60 hours after SMSR personnel had joined the search. For more information, including how to arrange a wilderness safety demonstration for your school or group, visit www.smsr.org.