Yesterday, the San Jose Police Department reported that a 75-year-old male hiker was dramatically rescued after falling over 100 feet off a cliff and landing in a dry creek bed. SanJosePD's X post detailed the events that unfolded just after 4 p.m., noting that the hiker had been stranded since after 8:30 a.m. before help arrived.
AIR3 to the rescue… Again!
— San Jose Police Dept (@SanJosePD) August 11, 2024
Today, just after 4pm, our department helicopter (AIR3) responded to assist the @SCCoSheriff rescuing a 75-year old male hiker. The hiker had fallen over 100 feet off of a rocky cliff down into a dry creek bed sometime after 8:30am. Sherrifs Deputies… pic.twitter.com/sT4dtiFWsv
Sheriff's deputies from the Santa Clara County Sheriff's Office first located the seriously injured man amidst dense tree coverage. Then, the San Jose Police Department helicopter, AIR3, was called in to facilitate the rescue. Deputies reached the victim, but due to his injuries and the precarious location, they couldn't safely extract him. Hence, the aerial approach was deemed necessary.
Executing a high-fidelity operation, AIR3 hovered above the scene as an officer was lowered to the injured hiker using a long line. In a coordinated effort, they managed to hoist the hiker from the creek bed and transport him a short distance to where a life-flight transport helicopter had been waiting approximately half a mile away. The hiker was subsequently flown to a trauma hospital for emergency medical treatment.
The San Jose Police Department highlighted the essential role of AIR3 in their officers' operations and life-saving missions. Their post praised the helicopter, "AIR3 continues to be an invaluable resource for our officers and a lifesaving saving tool for all! Great job AIR3!" thus reinforcing the department's gratitude towards their assets and team members involved in successful rescue endeavors.
