Injured Hiker Extracted from Deep Creek Riverbed

Jul 27,2016

A Hesperia woman was injured while hiking near the Deep Creek riverbed Monday. An Air Rescue crew responded to the scene at 2:39 p.m. They found the injured hiker, 23-year-old Elizabeth Heaton stuck in the canyon. Air Rescue rescued hoisted an air medic down 85 feet into the canyon area to retrieve Heaton.

Heaton was then extracted from the Deep Creek riverbed and into the helicopter, which transported her to the top of the Deep Creek Spillway. From there, she was treated by medical personnel from San Bernardino County Fire and transported to Desert Valley Hospital. Her injuries are not life-threatening.

Hiking is a well-loved desert activity, but it oftentimes leads to injury, especially during the hot summer months. This is not the first hiking-related incident this summer, and it won’t likely be the last. Last month, two people died in separate incidents on Coachella Valley trails. 61-year-old Mark Myden died while hiking in Rancho Mirage near the Bump and Grind.

Another unnamed man died on the Murray Peak trail in Palm Springs, his body discovered by a hiker on a day that reached a sweltering 110 degrees.

Last year during this time, three hikers were airlifted to safety from Skyline Trail in Palm Springs after calling 911 because they could no longer walk. Another hiker was airlifted after calling 911 because he ran out of water and was suffering from dehydration.

Law enforcement and health officials generally advise against hiking during the hot summer months.

Even during cooler months, you need to be well prepared for desert temperatures and terrain by following these 8 rules:

Choose trails that are appropriate for your skill level, and always take the temperature into consideration when deciding. If it’s going to be an extremely hot day, consider rescheduling the hike.
Wear appropriate clothing, including moisture-wicking fabrics, thick socks and sturdy hiking shoes. Protect yourself from the sun with sunscreen and protective clothing to avoid overheating and sunburns.
Hydrate at least an hour prior to your hike, and continue to hydrate frequently throughout the hike. Drink beverages that restore electrolytes, such as Gatorade, as well as water to avoid dehydration. Pack at least one liter of water for each hour you will spend hiking. Do not continue your hike once you have used up half of the water. It’s time to turn around and head back.
Bring along emergency supplies, including snacks, a first aid kit, flashlight, and a fully charged cell phone.
Hike with a friend or give a trusted friend the details of your hike so they know when you should be returning and where to find you if you don’t come back on time.
Snakes are more active in warm weather, so be aware of your surroundings.
If you’re hiking with children, never let them go off on their own and keep them close to you at all times.
Don’t stray from the trail. You’ll only increase your chance of getting lost and having to wait on a rescue team to come help you. Carry a map and pay attention to where you are at all times.

“Hiking can be a great way to explore and get some good exercise, but it must be done with extreme caution and should not be done alone,” said Attorney Walter Clark, founder of Walter Clark Legal Group.

Our firm has been handling personal injury cases throughout the California Low Desert and High Desert communities for over 30 years. With a 95% success rate, the California personal injury attorneys at Walter Clark Legal Group will fight to hold those responsible for your loss accountable and win compensation to cover medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. If you have been injured in an accident and want to discuss your legal options, contact us today at (760) 777-7777 for a free consultation with an experienced personal injury lawyer. We have offices in Indio, Rancho Mirage, Victorville, and Yucca Valley and represent clients through the entire California Low Desert and High Desert communities.
DISCLAIMER: The Walter Clark Legal Group blog is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended as legal or medical advice. References to laws are based on general legal practices and vary by location. Information reported comes from secondary news sources. We do handle these types of cases, but whether or not the individuals and/or loved ones involved in these accidents choose to be represented by a law firm is a personal choice we respect. Should you find any of the information incorrect, we welcome you to contact us with corrections.