Tony Diffenbaugh, Public Information Officer - Kern County Fire Department

Kern County firefighters and Sheriff’s deputies teamed up to rescue an injured hiker in the Kernville area on the evening of Thursday, June 26. While hiking with a companion at about 1:00 p.m. in the Bull Run Creek area north of Kernville, a 48-year-old male fell and injured a knee. After walking for approximately five hours, the companion was able to summon assistance and provide GPS coordinates for the rescuers.

The injured hiker was located shortly before 8:00 p.m., but it was determined that a ground rescue was not feasible. The hiker reportedly had about 80 pounds of equipment that needed to be 'rescued,' as well. As anxious friends and family waited for the man’s return to safety, Kern County Sheriff Department Helicopter Air-2, coordinated with KCFD Helicopter-408, to perform the rescue. Helicopter 408 lowered a firefighter to the ground and hoisted the patient into the helicopter. He was flown to the Kern Valley Airport and after being evaluated by paramedics, the hiker decided to refuse further care.