Tuesday night, December 16th, at approximately 6:00 p.m., the Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office (YCSO) received a request for assistance from the Prescott Fire Department regarding a hiker in distress.
A teenager had fallen off a ledge while hiking, resulting in serious injuries. The injured party was stranded on a small cliff, near Iron King Trail in the Granite Dells, in a precarious position approximately a half mile off trail that required a technical high-angle rescue using ropes.
YCSO Forest Patrol and the Backcountry Search and Rescue Unit (BCU) immediately responded to the scene. The BCU team and Prescott Fire’s Technical Rescue personnel successfully reached the hiker and carried them to a safe spot to be evaluated by medical personnel, where they were subsequently taken to a hospital.
While these incidents are unfortunate, Tuesday night’s response highlights the critical importance of inter-agency cooperation. Over the past few years, the YCSO Backcountry Unit has worked diligently to build strong partnerships with the Prescott Fire Department and Central Arizona Fire and Medical Authority (CAFMA), as well as other fire agencies in Yavapai County.
Regular joint training exercises have encouraged fire agencies to call YCSO and the specialized units whenever assistance is needed. This week’s seamless operation is a prime example of that progress, demonstrating the ability of our local agencies to work side-by-side with confidence to ensure the safety of the public.
As you enjoy our community’s hiking trails, please prioritize safety: stay on designated paths, bring water and snacks, a charged phone, wear proper footwear, and check weather conditions before heading out. Also, keep aware of your location so that if you have to call for emergency assistance, you can accurately provide directions to 9-1-1 personnel to guide emergency responders in locating you as quickly as possible.
