Pacific Crest Trail Hiker Assisted Near Little Grass Valley Reservoir
At approximately 2:00 p.m. today, Plumas County Search and Rescue was dispatched to assist an injured hiker on the Pacific Crest Trail near Little Grass Valley Reservoir.
The initial report indicated that a hiker had been struck in the head by a falling rock and sustained a head injury. As is sometimes the case with emergency notifications from remote areas, responders later determined the injury actually occurred when the hiker fell and struck his head on a rock outcropping along the trail.
The emergency notification was received through a Garmin inReach satellite communication device. These devices are invaluable in remote areas without cellular coverage and have become an important safety tool for backcountry travelers. However, emergency messages often pass through several agencies before reaching local responders, and only limited information may be available during the initial dispatch. As additional information is gathered, responders are often able to develop a more accurate understanding of the situation.
As Search and Rescue teams responded, access into the area was initially complicated by several locked gates that limited vehicle access. Working with our partner agencies, the access issue has since been resolved, improving our ability to respond more efficiently to future emergencies in the area.
Fortunately, while responders were making their way toward the incident, the injured hiker and his hiking partner began walking toward the nearest water source, which happened to be the location where Search and Rescue personnel were staging.
Bi-County Ambulance Service evaluated the injured hiker at the scene. After being assessed by paramedics, the patient declined ambulance transport. At the hikers’ request, Plumas County Search and Rescue provided transportation for both individuals to Plumas District Hospital for further evaluation.
Fortunately, the outcome was much better than initially reported, and we hope that after receiving appropriate medical care and some well-earned rest, both hikers will be able to safely continue their journey north on the Pacific Crest Trail.
We would also like to remind anyone venturing into remote areas to use extra caution, particularly in steep or rocky terrain where slips, falls, and falling rocks can all present significant hazards.
Satellite communication devices such as the Garmin inReach are excellent emergency tools. When circumstances allow, providing as much information as possible—including the nature of the injury or illness, the patient’s condition, the number of people involved, and whether the patient is able to walk—can greatly assist emergency responders in determining the most appropriate resources to send.
Plumas County Search and Rescue would like to thank Bi-County Ambulance Service and the Plumas County Sheriff’s Office for their continued partnership and assistance during today’s incident.
We wish these hikers a speedy recovery and safe travels as they continue their journey along one of America’s premier long-distance trails.
As always, we encourage everyone to enjoy the outdoors, travel prepared, and have a safe adventure
