Hiker Helicoptered From Ladder Canyon Trail In Medical Rescue

MECCA, CA — A hiker was airlifted Thursday from a remote desert trail east of Mecca and north of the Salton Sea, after suffering a medical emergency, Cal Fire/Riverside County Fire Department shared.

The hiker, part of a group, was traversing the Ladder Canyon Trail, at the time of the incident.

Shortly before 1 p.m., emergency responders arrived at the scene where one person was in need of medical attention, according to department spokesperson Karina Espinoza.

Due to the difficult access, a helicopter manned by the California Highway Patrol was called in to assist. The helicopter crew was able to find and retrieve the hiker.

The person was taken to a local hospital by an awaiting ground ambulance. The hiker was hiking as part of a group, Espinoza said. Their condition was not released, however it was known that a group member called for assistance.

The severity of the medical emergency was not immediately known, and their condition was not expected to be released. No other information was immediately available.