Injured Man Who Fell Over Waterfall Rescued After Another Hiker Hears His Screams

A hiker who was seriously injured after falling at a California waterfall and crashing onto the rocks below was rescued Sunday after another hiker heard his screams, officials said.

San Bernardino County Fire said crews responded at around 3:45 p.m. Sunday to a report of a hiker screaming for help about halfway up Big Falls, near Forest Falls in the San Bernardino Mountains. The 911 caller reported that they could not see the hiker, but could hear him screaming for help.

Ground rescuers hiked in and found the hiker, who was seriously injured. The hiker was trying to cross a slippery portion of the falls when he lost his footing and fell into a “rocky pool area below,” officials said.

The rescue team “immediately ordered” a rescue helicopter from the San Bernardino Sheriff’s Office Aviation Unit to hoist the patient to safety.

The helicopter lowered a paramedic to the scene, and ground rescuers assisted in loading the patient into a Stokes basket. A video shared by San Bernardino County Fire shows the patient being hoisted away from the rocky falls. The man was flown to a local trauma center.

Fire officials said they “often” respond to accidents and injuries in that area.

“San Bernardino County Fire urges visitors to stay on marked trails, avoid climbing on or around waterfalls, and keep a safe distance from slippery or steep areas,” officials said. “We respond to incidents at this popular location often, where people are seriously injured, so please make smart choices and stay safe.”