On Monday, February 16, 2009 at 9:30 AM, 5 Companies of Los Angeles Firefighters, 2 LAFD Rescue Ambulances, 1 Heavy Rescue, 1 Urban Search and Rescue Unit, 1 EMS Battalion Captain, 1 Battalion Chief Officer Command Team, under the direction of Battalion Chief Ronald Jackson, responded to a Cliff Rescue at 3635 N. Vanalden Av. in Tarzana.

Firefighters responded to a reported hiker down in the canyon at approximately 9:30 a.m.. When Firefighters arrived on scene, they found 3 young hikers who indicated they heard someone calling out for help down in the canyon and may have been there over night with possible injuries. A request for aerial assistance by helicopter with hoist capabilities was canceled due to weather.

Firefighters utilized the Urban Search & Rescue (USAR) Team to assist in the rescue. It took Firefighters 20 minutes on foot to locate the hiker. Utilizing an assortment of tools, the hiker was freed from the vegetation. After being assessed by Paramedics for injuries, the hiker was secured in a litter basket and walked out utilizing a low angle, hoist operation. The medical concern of Firefighters was the possibility of hypothermia, from exposure to low overnight temperatures. The hiker was finally at street side by 11:05 a.m.

The hiker, a male 33, stated he had been hiking the previous day, when he slipped and fell down into the canyon. Unable to climb out, he spent the night partially entrapped in brush calling for help.

The men and women of the Los Angeles Fire Department would like to stress trail safety. Wear appropriate clothing for the weather. Hike with a partner or let someone know where you will be hiking. Take sufficient water and a fully charged cell phone. Remember that cell phone coverage in the mountains can be spotty. But most importantly - BE SAFE

Submitted by d'Lisa Davies
Los Angeles Fire Department

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