A hiker had a terrifying experience over the Memorial Day weekend in Butte County, California, when he fell about 30 feet down a waterfall. The incident occurred near Feather River Canyon and Camp Creek Falls. While trying to capture a photo of the waterfall, he lost his footing and plummeted into a rocky pool below.
Rescue teams quickly responded to the scene. Due to the severity of the hiker’s injuries, an ambulance could not reach him in time. The Butte County Sheriff’s Search and Rescue team decided that a helicopter would be the safest and fastest way to get him out.
The hiker was conscious during the rescue, which involved him being harnessed to a 150-foot rope. He was then lifted by the helicopter and flown to a nearby landing zone at Cresta Power House. From there, he was transferred to Enloe FlightCare for further medical attention. The entire helicopter ride took just about 30 seconds to a minute.
Kevin Soukup, a spokesperson for the search and rescue team, explained that this type of rescue is particularly risky but necessary when dealing with traumatic injuries. The road to the incident site was about three miles long, and it would have taken too long for an ambulance to arrive.
This rescue operation was a collaborative effort, involving both Cal Fire and Butte County Fire. The hiker’s experience serves as a reminder of the dangers that can arise while enjoying the great outdoors, especially near waterfalls and cliffs.