At approximately 1818 hours the Team was called to assist a 16-year-old female suffering from symptoms of acute mountain sickness (AMS) near Waugh Lake in the Ansel Adams Wilderness. Rescue base was established at the Rush Creek Trailhead and 5 field teams consisting of 11 team members hiked up the trail with the wheeled litter and other equipment.
Preparing for departure from rescue base. Image by J. Lipman
Low on the Rush Creek Trail as night approaches. Image by J. Lipman
Looking down on Silver Lake from the Rush Creek Trail. Image by J. Lipman
The location initially communicated to the Team was actually the location that the reporting party (RP) had found cell service and was able to place a 911 call for assistance. When field team 1 arrived at this location, no one was present. The error was discovered, and the subject was located about a half mile further west.
Field teams in the vicinity of Waugh Lake. Image by J. Lipman
Field team 2 joined team 1 and the subject was assessed and prepared for transport, but she initially refused litter transport and chose to walk with assistance from team members. She soon tired and accepted the litter transport. Field teams 4 and 5 joined teams 1 and 2 as they continued the litter carryout. Field team 3 had been staged at a location where they had radio contact with teams 1 and 2 as well as rescue base, and they acted as a radio relay for effective communications.
Descending the steep tram tracks to avoid narrow, rocky trail switchbacks. Image by J. Lipman
Unfortunately not all of the steep narrow parts of the Rush Creek Trail could be avoided. Image by J. Lipman
Rolling the subject in the wheeled litter past THAT Juniper tree on the Rush Creek Trail. Image by J. Lipman
As teams 1, 2, 4, and 5 passed, team 3 joined them in the descent to assist with the litter carryout. Nearing the Rush Creek Trailhead, the subject again requested to walk slowy with team member assistance, and shortly thereafter all parties arrived at the trailhead. The operation was terminated at 0509 hours just as the first hints of sunrise were visible to the east on the morning of August 2.
IC: Belcher, Salazar Ops Leader: Bush, Case, Beck Responders: Senior, Blackman, Cowan, Irving-Ruffing, Creager, Lipman, Cucura, Anderson, Brownlee, Ackerman, Salay.