District 2 Supervisor Liz Archuelta update for Nov. 16 — Stuff the Bus Friendly Competition to Raise 500 Turkeys for Families in Need on Nov. 17

The Coconino County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) Search and Rescue team performed two rescue operations this past weekend: one in response to a climbing incident at Oak Creek Vista off State Route 89A and another for stranded hikers on Mt. Humphreys.

Multiple agencies responded to assist in the Oak Creek rescue of the injured climber. A 34-year-old female from Phoenix, AZ had sustained multiple serious injuries, including a back injury, when she fell approximately 40 feet as she began her rappel. Due to the location of the patient and the nature of her injuries, CCSO Search and Rescue and Sedona Fire District Technical Rope Team members established a technical rope system to lower a rescuer and basket litter to the patient. Highlands Fire and Guardian Medical personnel, along with a Deputy Sheriff, had hiked to the patient’s location to provide initial treatment and help prepare the patient to be raised by the rope system.

On Sunday, a party of three college students from Flagstaff were hiking the Humphreys Peak Trail when one slipped on some ice and sustained a shoulder injury above the Humphrey’s Saddle, which is located at an elevation of approximately 12,000 feet. The hikers had minimal outer wear, clothing and gear for winter hiking at this elevation where the temperature was 17 degrees Fahrenheit with winds of 56 miles per hour. The hikers reported that the injured person could not walk and requested a helicopter to pick them up. As Search and Rescue teams were responding, the Arizona Department of Public Safety Northern Air Rescue helicopter responded and visually located the hikers but was unable to assist with the rescue due to the high winds. CCSO Search and Rescue and Guardian Medical Transport personnel were transported by Arizona Snowbowl Snow Cats to the Midway catwalk to access the Humphrey’s Peak Trail. The Sheriff’s Office Snow Cat was used to transport the hikers and rescuers from the Midway Catwalk back to the Agassiz Lodge. The injured hiker refused additional medical care.

Both rescue attempts were successful thanks to the efforts of the Search and Rescue Team and serve as examples of the close working relationships between northern Arizona public safety agencies. Thank you all for your heroic efforts!

The Coconino County Sheriff’s Office reminds those recreating in the winter back-country to be prepared for the conditions.