Full Notification

DATE/TIME: Sunday, March 8, 2020 / 9:30 am

INCIDENT: Hoist Rescue

LOCATION: Pacific Crest Trail, east of Heart Bar Campground, Big Bear, CA

VICTIM(S): Jacob Tahan, age 73 a resident of Phoenix, AZ


SUMMARY: On March 8, 2020, Tahan called 911 and reported to Sheriff's Dispatch he was stuck near the Pacific Crest Trail, due to ice and snow and had been unable to continue hiking for 3 days. He was running out of food and was extremely cold. Tahan was able to provide them with GPS coordinates because he carried a handheld GPS device with him for safety.

Sheriff's Air Rescue 6 was requested, responded to the location of the GPS coordinates and located Tahan on a ridgeline at approximately 8600 feet. Due to the rugged and remote terrain, the crew was unable to conduct a technical landing and decided a hoist rescue would be necessary.

Sheriff's Air Rescue 6 hovered over Tahan while the crew chief lowered an air medic down approximately 75' to Tahan's location on the ridgeline. The air medic placed Tahan in a rescue harness. The crew chief then hoisted Tahan up to the helicopter, followed by the air medic.

Air Rescue 6 transported Tahan to the Heart Bar training area and released him to waiting deputies and an ambulance.

The San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department would like to remind those choosing to hike in the mountainous areas of the county to ensure you have the proper equipment in the event of an emergency. Tahan was prepared with a handheld GPS device which greatly reduced the time it took for Air Rescue 6 to locate and rescue him.

AIR RESCUE 6 CREW:
Pilot Sergeant Daniel Futscher
Crew Chief Reserve Deputy Steve Miller
Air Medic Peter Peng
Air Medic Jacob Hernandez

Refer: Sergeant Daniel Futscher

Station: San Bernardino County Sheriff's Aviation Unit

Phone No. 909-252-4100

Case No. #BLR2000246

JOHN McMAHON, Sheriff-Coroner
San Bernardino County Sheriff-Coroner Department