Full Notification

DATE/TIME: July 5^th, 2021 / 12:52 pm
 
INCIDENT: Devil's Backbone Rescue
 
LOCATION: Mount Baldy
 
VICTIM(S): Jung Hee Koh, age 68, a resident of Buena Park
 
 
SUMMARY: On  July 5, at approximately 12:52, the victim, Jung Hee Koh, went hiking with a friend along the Devil's Backbone Trail toward the summit of Mount Baldy. During the hike, her friend decided to turn and hike back, while Koh continued toward the summit she became overheated, exhausted, and unable to hike. She sat down on the trail at just over the 9800' level. Koh was found by several unrelated hikers, who realized Koh was having a medical emergency and called 911 for assistance.
 
The San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department and San Bernardino County Fire Department were notified and sent resources to assist. Due to the remote location and terrain, Sheriff's Helicopter 40King1 responded and located Koh and the other hikers on the trail. Due to the altitude and high temperatures, the crew decided to conduct an off-site landing on a clearing at the 9900' level, roughly 200 yards from the victim. SBCFD Captain Scott Leidner hiked to Koh and assessed her condition. She was unable to walk, so Leidner carried her on his back from Koh's location on the trail to the helicopter.
 
The crew then flew Koh to Cow Canyon Saddle and transferred her to a waiting ambulance for medical care.
 
Koh was fortunate other hikers happened upon her and were able to assist. The San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department recommends all hikers ensure they are prepared for the conditions and do not hike alone.
 
Crew of 40King1:
 
Pilot Lieutenant Daniel Futscher
Crew Chief Deputy Larry Scott
Fire Captain Scott Leidner
 
Refer:                     Lieutenant Daniel Futscher
 
Station:                  Emergency Operations Division/ Aviation
 
Phone No.             909 252-4100
 
Case No.                FNR2101702
 
JOHN McMAHON, Sheriff-Coroner
San Bernardino County Sheriff-Coroner Department