By LILY TINOCO | Assistant Editor
The City of Los Angeles Fire Commission recognized a number of Los Angeles Fire Department members on Tuesday, August 6, for a rescue that took place in Temescal Canyon earlier this year in Pacific Palisades.
“Today we’re recognizing our talented members who rescued a hiker in Temescal Canyon,” LAFD Captain Erik Scott, speaking as a public information officer, said at the start of the presentation, “and due to their astute observations, ended up saving his life.”
Those who were recognized were Pilot IV Rickey Wheeler (now retired), Pilot I Scott Keelin, Captain I/Paramedic Michael McIndoe, Firefighter/Paramedic Jesse Beck, Firefighter/Paramedic Dominic Marquis, Firefighter Patrick Mandich, and Firefighter/Dispatcher Anthony Zermeno for their “dedicated efforts and skillful handling of a patient.”
In June, a group of three friends hiked the Temescal Canyon Trail, according to a statement from LAFD. One hiker began to feel “weak, dizzy [and] unable to continue walking,” due to the heat. The group became concerned and called 911, prompting a hiker rescue response.
Task Force 69 and its paramedic rescue ambulance RA69 made it through the canyon, while LAFD Air Operations dispatched two helicopters. Engine 69 and RA69 members arrived and hiked up the canyon with the necessary equipment.
According to LAFD, the topography made radio communication difficult, and the Metropolitan Fire Communications 911 call-taker stayed on the phone with the hikers and relayed information to the Incident Commander to help the team locate the group.
“Through their teamwork, the firefighters were able to locate their patient, a 55-year-old male complaining of dehydration, dizziness, nausea and difficulty walking,” LAFD reported. “Initially reluctant to allow a full medical workup, the firefighters took note of his low blood pressure (80/46), high heart rate (116) and his hot, pale and diaphoretic skin conditions.”
LAFD said these symptoms were indicators of a potentially significant heat-related medical emergency, and the firefighters and paramedics started an IV and administered fluids while initiating different cooling measures.
“Though patient’s condition improved and he wanted to just walk out, the crew recommended a hoist operation,” according to LAFD. “The Incident Commander and helicopter pilots assessed the situation and concurred.”
After the hoist, LAFD measured the electrical activity of the hiker’s heart, only to find the hiker was experiencing a ST elevation myocardial infarction, which LAFD described as a “silent heart attack.” He was then transported via air ambulance to a medical facility.
“A silent heart attack, known as a silent myocardial infarction, accounts for 45% of heart attacks,” according to LAFD. “They are described as ‘silent’ because the symptoms lack the intensity of a classic heart attack, such as extreme chest pain and pressure; stabbing pain in the arm, neck, or jaw; sudden shortness of breath. Instead, one may just feel fatigued or discomfort and attribute it to heat or lack of sleep.”
The LAFD crew identified the severity of his condition, and ensured his safety by hoisting him out and quickly getting him to advanced medical care.
“In recognition of your heroic courage, diligent efforts and expedient assistance in saving a man’s life during a hiker rescue emergency on June 22, 2024,” Scott read from one of the certificates given to the honorees, “ … The Los Angeles City Fire Department commends you for your bravery and exceptional efforts in saving a citizen of the City of Los Angeles.”
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