Pinal County search and rescue crews responded to four emergencies over a five-day span. The missions included three injured hikers and one lost ATV rider. All four individuals were brought to safety.
Three Rescues in a Single Day
On Saturday, Jan. 31, PCSO teams handled three separate calls across the county. The first involved an injured hiker on the Picketpost Mountain Trail near Superior. A BORSTAR paramedic was lowered by helicopter to treat the hiker. The person was then hoisted out by Air 2.
Crews next aided another injured hiker at the summit of Picacho Peak. A paramedic again descended to provide care. The hiker was subsequently airlifted to safety.
Later that day, deputies and Air 2 searched for an ATV rider who had become lost and stranded near Cochran and Florence Kelvin Highway. They found the rider safe.
The Sheriff’s Office recognized its Search and Rescue Posse members for their role in these missions.
Earlier Rescue Assists Neighboring County
On Jan. 27, PCSO’s aviation unit supported a rescue in Pima County. An injured hiker was reported on the Pontatoc Ridge Trail around 8:30 a.m. Pima County deputies and Southern Arizona Rescue Association members found a 36-year-old Tucson man who had sustained serious injuries.
Air 2 performed a hoist rescue and transported him to a nearby school. Ground paramedics then took over his care. Hospital staff later reported him in stable condition.
