Caught on Video: Helicopter Cliff Rescues

Cameras attached to rescuers' helmets provided dramatic views from the rescuers' perspectives during a busy weekend when five LA Sheriff's Department airlifts were conducted in the Angeles National Forest.

Search and Rescue Hiking Plan Form (.pdf)

The rescues included a 19-year-old South Pasadena woman who was airlifted Sunday afternoon from a cliff above Altadena. The woman became trapped about 100 feet above Millard Canyon during a hike with friends.

The woman nearly let go of the cliff to jump into the arms of Paramedic Deputy Ricky Hernandez as he was lowered to her location, but Hernandez was close enough to reach out to her, authorities said.

"He motioned to her to wait, and was able to attach the safety harness before we hoisted her up into the rescue helicopter," said Sgt. Tom Giandomenico, crew chief of the rescue. "If she had let go before we were ready, she would not have survived the fall."

Two more teens were rescued on the ground nearby. The woman was one of 15 people rescued as part of five Angeles Forest operations during the weekend.

Sunday: Four boys were airlifted from an Azuza Canyon cliff Sunday. They were airlifted -- one at a time -- from the mountainside north of Azusa.

Saturday: Two men were injured and one was killed in a fall off Angeles Crest Highway. One of the men flagged down a passing motorist after the men fell into a deep ravine, about 500 feet over the side of the freeway.

Saturday: Three hikers were rescued in a night-time airlift in Eaton Canyon. Two men and a woman, all age 19, were all wearing light-weight clothing during a cold evening. They took an off-trail shortcut and became disoriented, according to authorities.

Saturday: In another evening rescue, search teams found two Boy Scouts and their leader in the Mount Wilson area. The were equipped for the conditions, but failed to arrive at their destination and staff members notified the sheriff's department.

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