Bend, Oregon — On Wednesday, April 22, at 4:45 p.m., the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office Search & Rescue unit responded to an emergency call for help when a hiker began experiencing a medical issue and had become mildly hypothermic.
Two males in their 20s had driven over from the Philomath area to hike South Sister (approximately 12.5 miles round trip with 5,000 ft. elevation gain). They parked their vehicle at Dutchman Flat at the base of Mt. Bachelor. They were on their way back down the mountain when they called for help.
Thirteen volunteers from the SAR Medical and Mountain Rescue teams reached the hikers at 8:25 p.m. One hiker was well enough to walk out without assistance. The second was transported in a Cascade rescue sled after being warmed up by SAR medical personnel.
SAR crews arrived at Cascade Lakes Highway with the hikers at 3:45 a.m., after navigating deep and variable snow. One hiker was transferred to a Bend Fire & Rescue ambulance for further evaluation, while the other was taken to his car.
The Sheriff’s Office wants to remind hikers to plan ahead and carry plenty of food, water, and proper clothing. Despite spring like weather, conditions in higher elevations can change rapidly, especially as the sun sets and temperatures drop.
