Searchers aid ill PCT hiker

Search and rescue (SAR)personnel from Camp Sherman came to the aid of a hiker who fell ill on the Pacific Crest Trail last weekend.

On Saturday June 13, five members of the Camp Sherman Hasty Team along with Black Butte Ranch Police and Sisters-Camp Sherman fire medics responded to the Pacific Crest Trail on a medical call. Joe Chase of Austin, Texas had become sick while hiking the PCT.

Chase's hiking partner, James Corbett, had called 911 hoping to get help getting Chase back to the trailhead on Highway 20. They began to hike out at 4 a.m. and got separated.

The Camp Sherman-based Hasty Team met up with Corbett as he made his way down the trail. Corbett was able to contact Chase on his cell phone and told him to call 911 so the Hasty Team members could get his location.

Deschutes County Dispatch relayed Chase's location to the SAR team and he was located approximately two miles from the trailhead. Chase was treated for dehydration by medics and was able to walk out to the trail head under his own power.

He was transported by Sisters-Camp Sherman medics to St. Charles Hospital in Bend for further treatment.

Jefferson County SAR Coordinator Dave Blann said Chase was very fortunate that paramedics were available to go in with the Hasty Team, as this is not the case on most incidents.

Hikers need to remember that help is not always quick to arrive in remote wilderness locations. Being prepared for any type of emergency while in the wilderness is advised.