Team Effort Helps Save Injured Hiker

Open Space Search and Rescue Officers help save a hiker with a broken ankle, suffering from diabetic shock.

Open Space Search And Rescue Officers were dispatched to the Pino trail head around noon Wednesday. The Bernalillo County Fire Department requested help with a search and rescue of a 59-year-old man who was having diabetic issues. He had also fallen while hiking and broken his left ankle. The man was unable to hike or move any further.

Crews used GPS to help locate the man before his cellphone died and hiked about two miles down the trail before finding him.

A strike team of APD Open Space Officers and BCFD headed up the hill to the GPS location.

After about an hour, and a hike to an elevation of 7500 feet in 85 degree weather, the crew found the man sitting under a tree.

Besides the broken ankle, he was also dehydrated.

Immediate medical attention was given to the subject.

BCSO's air support Metro 2 launched and flew in to assist with the rescue.

Rescuers were able to stabilize the hiker and move him to a location where the helicopter was able to hoist him out and fly him to an awaiting ambulance. He was taken to the hospital and will be okay.

The Open Space Unit would like to remind hikers to stay prepared when heading out to the mountains. Be sure to bring water, food, and extra clothing. Also make sure your cell phone is fully charged.

This is just another great example of a highly coordinated effort between all of the agencies involved. Thanks to Bernalillo County Fire Department, Bernalillo County Sheriff's Office, New Mexico State Police, Cibola Search and Rescue, and Albuquerque Mountain Rescue.