FRESNO (KMJ) — A hiker on the Pacific Crest Trail who suddenly fell ill while out in the wilderness, owes the speed of her recovery to a joint CHP and Fresno County Sheriff’s Office team.
Tara Steele from Santa Rosa felt what she believed to be signs similar to that of a stroke, and activated an emergency beacon to let rescuers know she needed assistance Sunday afternoon.
That gave rescuers the necessary coordinates, placing the 66 year old just east of Brave Lake in Fresno County. The helicopter crew located her in a heavily forested area, and Deputy Johnny Reyes dropped down to winch her to safety.
She was first taken to Edison Lake, and transferred to another helicopter to be transported to Fresno’s CRMC for further treatment. Fresno County Sheriff’s Office says she’s recovering well.
You can see the entire video of the rescue below: