40-King Team Rescues HIKER

Saturday, June 22, 2019  Christina Mallon, went hiking with friends and family in the remote area known as The Pinnacles, located just northwest of Lake Arrowhead. The group decided to hike off-trail through the large boulders which cover the area. At one point, Mallon was on top of a large boulder and attempted to jump across to another boulder. She slipped and fell approximately 10 feet down a narrow space between the two boulders. Her companions were unable to free her, when she became wedged between the large rocks.  A 9-1-1 call was placed to the San Bernardino County Fire and San Bernardino County Sheriff, in turn rushed to the scene.

The San Bernardino County Sheriff patrol helicopter 40-King AR307 arrived at the location simultaneously with firefighters and began the search for Mallon. 40-King AR307 quickly located Mallon's party but could not see Mallon due to her position between the boulders. A second San Bernardino County air-rescue helicopter, 40-King AR306 was called to the scene, because the rugged terrain prevented ground rescuers from quickly accessing the area. The back-up aircraft arrived on scene and hoisted two Air Medics down to hiker Mallon's location. The air medics climbed down to her and discovered she was not seriously injured but stuck and unable to move.   

The Air Medics tried to free her to no avail so three of County Fire’s technical rescuers were picked up by 40-King AR306 and hoisted down to the location to assist. The combined San Bernardino County Fire and San Bernardino County Sheriff Teams were able to free her and secure her onto a rescue litter. She was then hoisted up to 40-King AR306 and transported to the hospital for non-life threatening injuries.