A hiker being airlifted from a waterfall in Forest Falls, California. (San Bernardino County Fire via SWNS)
By Ben Barry
A hiker was left screaming for help after he fell 25 feet down a waterfall onto rocks while trying to cross slippery rocks.
The walker was trying to cross an upper portion of Big Falls Waterfall in Forest Falls, California he "lost his footing trying to cross a wet, slippery portion of the falls and fell to a rocky pool area below".
The severely injured man was found by walker who "couldn’t see the hiker but could hear the cries for help", says San Bernardino County Fire Service.
Rescuers hiked in before calling for help from the rescue helicopter team, and the man was winched to safety, on Sunday (3) at around 3.45pm.
A spokesman for the fire service said: "San Bernardino County Fire responded to a reported hiker screaming for help midway up Big Falls.
(San Bernardino County Fire via SWNS)
"The reporting party couldn’t see the hiker but could hear the cries for help. The hiker had lost his footing trying to cross a wet, slippery portion of the falls and fell to a rocky pool area below.
"The first-arriving company hiked in and located a seriously injured hiker and performed a medical assessment. A rescue helicopter was immediately ordered. This hoist-capable helicopter would be the fastest, safest, and most efficient way to extract the patient.
"The helicopter lowered a paramedic, and together with ground forces, packaged the patient in a stokes basket. The patient was quickly removed from the scene and immediately flown to a local trauma center.
"San Bernardino County Fire urges visitors to stay on marked trails, avoid climbing on or around waterfalls, and keep a safe distance from slippery or steep areas.
"We respond to incidents at this popular location often, where people are seriously injured, so please make smart choices and stay safe."
