Hiker Rescued from Cliffside on Pacific Crest Trail Using Innovative 'Bear Hug' Technique

The Riverside County Sheriff's Office Aviation Unit safely extracted the experienced hiker after she clung to the cliff for over an hour, using emergency technology to call for help.

• An experienced hiker was stranded on a cliff along the Pacific Crest Trail in Riverside, California, and clung to the rock face for over an hour before being rescued.
• The hiker used a Garmin-type emergency communication device to alert authorities, enabling the Riverside County Sheriff's Office Aviation Unit to respond quickly.
• The rescue operation was described as highly technical, with the precarious location requiring rescuers to employ unconventional methods.
• Rescue specialist Jason Beeman utilized a 'bear hug' technique to secure the hiker, as her position made it impossible to use a safety harness.
• The hiker suffered cuts, bruises, and exhaustion but was safely airlifted and is now in stable condition, highlighting the risks of challenging trails like the Pacific Crest Trail.

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