An injured rock climber was lifted by helicopter from a sheer Sierra Nevada cliff Friday afternoon after a serious fall.
The California Highway Patrol said its Coastal Division Air Operations unit received a rescue request around 12:45 p.m. Sept. 11 at Courtright Reservoir in the southwestern Sierra Nevada.
The climber fell while scaling Power Dome, a towering granite formation overlooking the reservoir, and required evacuation for medical treatment.
A two-person helicopter crew flew to the scene from its base at Paso Robles Airport.
A helicopter rescue technician with the Fresno County Sheriff’s Office joined the operation.
Using the aircraft’s hoist system, rescuers pulled the injured climber away from the rock face.
The climber was then transported by helicopter to a nearby ambulance for further medical care.
CHP did not release the climber’s name or provide information about the severity of the injuries.
CHP Air Operations helicopters regularly assist with search-and-rescue missions across California.
Each aircraft carries a pilot and a flight officer-paramedic, who is also trained to operate the helicopter’s hoist.
“Our crews rely on the collaborative efforts of our partner agencies, particularly our Helicopter Rescue Technician team members, in order to ensure the safest outcome,” CHP said.
