A 55-year-old man was transported out of Three Sisters Wilderness by helicopter after a complicated rescue effort Sunday, September 26.

A deputy with Lane County Sheriff’s Office contacted Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office regarding a hiker with a leg injury who was unable to walk. The hiker was reported to be in Lane County’s jurisdiction, on the southwest side of the Middle Sister. His three hiking partners were attempting to escort the injured party back to their camp, which was located in Deschutes County at Camp Lake.

Lane County advised they were attempting to coordinate both a land and/or air rescue for this injured subject and they had been in contact with the Oregon National Guard checking on the availability of a helicopter. While rescuers worked on contingency plans, it was determined that Lane County was unable to obtain the assistance of the Oregon National Guard, and the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue team was needed to assist.

The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue (SAR) team then contacted AirLink for assistance. Two SAR members responded to the AirLink hanger in Bend and were flown to the area of the hiking party. At approximately 4:55 p.m., AirLink landed near Camp Lake and the two SAR members hiked up to the injured hiker, reaching the hiking party at approximately 4:59 p.m. The hiker’s injuries were evaluated and he was prepared for air transport by the SAR team members.

The SAR team members transported the injured hiker to a location where AirLink was able to land. The hiker was then loaded and transported via AirLink to the St.?Charles Medical Center. The SAR team members then hiked approximately seven miles back to the Pole Creek Trailhead with the rest of the hiking party.