September 1, 2025 25-517 #34

Mutual aid call from the Inyo County Sheriff.

At 1659 hours the Team was called for mutual aid to assist the Inyo County Sheriff's Office at Long Lake in Little Lakes Valley. It was reported that an adult male was unresponsive and not breathing. Rescue base was established at the Mosquito Flat Trailhead. Air resources were requested, and CHP - Central Division Air Operations Helicopter H-42 from Fresno accepted.

The Ops Leader deployed a hasty team of three with assorted medical equipment and a second team of four was deployed shortly after with additional gear, including the Team’s titanium rescue litter and wheel.

As Team 1 was in transit, they were contacted by good samaritans who had initially stopped to assist the subject. They informed Team 1 that the subject was now awake, breathing, and becoming more alert. It was reported that he had experienced a seizure and may also have sustained related trauma. Team 1 arrived at the location of the subject and his party, who were approximately 2.25 miles from the trailhead, and initiated contact.

Difficult communications with rescue base.

CHP H42 landed next to Long Lake with Pyraimid Peak, Bear Creek Spire, and Pip-Squeak Spire in the background.

CHP and MOSAR personnel assessing the subject.

Just as contact was made, H-42 landed on the shore of Long Lake, deployed their flight officer and flight paramedic, and assessed and began initial treatment. Shortly after, the subject was assisted in walking to H-42, loaded, and flown to Bishop Airport, where he was met by a Sierra Lifeflight ambulance and transported to Northern Inyo Hospital (NIH).

Team 2 arriving at Long Lake at long last.

Teams 1 and 2 regrouped, assembled the litter, and wheeled out the party’s backpacking equipment. The party also walked out with minor SAR assistance back to the trailhead, which included shouldering out the youngest of the group, a 4-year-old boy.

The wheeled litter was loaded with the party’s gear and transported to the trailhead.

Providing the youngest member of the party a ride out.

Arriving back at the trailhead well after dark.

The operation was terminated at 2102 hours.

IC: Rhoads Ops Leader: Haugh Responders: Pavlovsky, Brownlee, Buchanan, Quiring, Anderson, Knight, Romanova, Lipman, Wallace

On scene coordinator: Mono County Sheriff Search and Rescue