On Sunday, April 21, Riverside Mountain Rescue Unit members participated in the rescue of dehydrated hiker on the Skyline Trail. The lone hiker, identified as John Cardenas of Indio, used his cell phone to call the Sheriff’s department and request assistance because he was out of water, dehydrated and cramping.
California State Park rangers were the first to locate Cardenas, but owing to his physical condition, could not escort him out. Sheriff’s department aviation unit responded and lowered an RMRU member who prepared Cardenas to be hoisted out.
Deputies returned Cardenas to his vehicle at the trailhead. He was uninjured and required no medical attention other than the hydration he received from the RMRU member. The incident wrapped around 6:30 p.m.
The Sheriff’s department advises all hikers to carry sufficient water and know trail conditions.
