Multiple Agencies Respond to Rescue of Hiker

Date: April 3, 2015
Contact: George Land, 760-367-5507

JOSHUA TREE NATIONAL PARK, Twentynine Palms, CA – On April 2, 2015, a 17 year old hiker
became wedged between rocks while scrambling in the Johnson Canyon area of Joshua Tree National
Park. The incident was reported at 4:49pm to 911 and agencies responded to include Morongo Basin
Ambulance, Twentynine Palms Fire Dept., Marine Corps Air and Ground Combat Center Fire and
Rescue, and National Park search and rescue rangers and volunteers.

During the six hour rescue, a mechanical advantage system was applied to no avail, requiring the
MCAGCC team to implement a pneumatic chisel. The subject was successfully freed and walked out
on his own, with only minor scrapes and bruises. Park Ranger and Incident Commander, Mike
Shuman said, “It’s great to have the relationships the park has with other local agencies. Their
equipment and expertise was key in the rescue and the favorable outcome.”