July 6, 2026 26-323 #25

Mono SAR Assists Injured Hiker on the John Muir Trail

The Team was called for a mutual aid request by the Madera County Sheriff's Office for a 58-year-old female who had sustained a self-reported upper extremity injury near Rosalie Lake along the John Muir Trail. The subject was reported to be in stable condition, but unable to continue unassisted.

Rescue base was established at Minaret Vista. Operations deployed a multi-rescuer ground team from the Agnew Meadows Trailhead. Team members hiked towards Rosalie Lake carrying medical equipment, communications gear, splinting supplies, and patient transport equipment.

Team One enroute to subject. Photo by L. Wojciechowski.

Upon reaching the subject, rescuers completed a medical assessment and determined the injury was to the wrist rather than the shoulder as initially reported. The injury was splinted, and because the subject remained ambulatory, she was able to hike out with the team.

During the operation, one Mono SAR team member experienced a medical event requiring diversion of resources. After medical care, the team member was able to hike back to the trailhead under their own power. 

The original patient and the remaining rescue personnel returned safely to the trailhead. The operation was terminated at 1700 hours.

Rescue Base at Minaret Vista. Photo by L. Wojciechowski.

Ultimately, the team's primary role became transporting the subject's backpack and equipment, as the subject was ambulatory and able to hike out under their own power. Rather than beginning the hike to the trailhead, the subject chose to remain at Rosalie Lake until rescuers arrived to assist with their gear.

This incident required a significant commitment of Search and Rescue resources and was further complicated by an unexpected medical emergency involving one of our own team members during the response. Incidents like this underscore the importance of requesting emergency assistance when it is truly needed. Search and Rescue resources are intended for situations where individuals are unable to safely self-rescue or face an immediate threat to their health or safety. When subjects are capable of hiking out on their own, doing so—when it is safe to do so—helps ensure these limited volunteer resources remain available for critical emergencies.

Volunteer hours: 121

IC: Rhoads Ops Leader: Haugh/Salay Responders: Blackman, Huizingh, Knight, Lipman, Salay, Schildge, Tardy, M. Thompson, Wilson, Wojciechowski