Helicopter rescue necessary in Washoe County backcountry

An injured hiker had to be airlifted from the Hunter Creek Trail on Memorial Day after sh fell and hurt her back and neck.

The name and hometown of the woman who is in her 20s have not been releaseed.

Washoe County Sheriff’s Office search and rescue team as well as the Regional Aviation Enforcement Unit (RAVEN) were called out about 2pm May 27.

Due to the extremely rough terrain and distance from the trailhead the HH-1H Huey helicopter was called in to hoist the victim out of the canyon.

“Without RAVEN, transporting the victim off the trail would have taken at least two hours, and could have easily resulted in additional injuries to Search and Rescue or Fire personnel,” Deputy Jereme Wormington said in a press release.

Wormington said the Hunter Creek Canyon has more calls for service for rescues than any other hiking area his department serves.

The victim was taken by ambulance from the trailhead to Renown Medical Center in Reno.

 — Lake Tahoe News staff report