MAUNAKEA Fire rescue personnel from Pohakuloa Training Area braved difficult terrain to rescue a male party with a fractured femur on the summit of Maunakea on Monday evening.
MAUNAKEA — Fire rescue personnel from Pohakuloa Training Area braved difficult terrain to rescue a male party with a fractured femur on the summit of Maunakea on Monday evening.
Responding to a 7:26 p.m. call, responders found a male in his 60s below Keck Observatory approximately 1 mile from the nearest trail at the 12,500-foot elevation line who apparently lost his footing on unstable, dangerous terrain while trying to take a photograph.
It took the responding units 30 minutes to hike the one mile from the trail head to the patient’s location, the Hawaii Fire Department said in a press release. There was no marked trail beyond the trail head.
Six rescue personnel at a time carried the patient in a specialty stretcher. Due to the lack of oxygen, personnel could only carry the patient for approximately 10 feet at a time before stopping to catch their breath.
It took approximately three and a half hours to navigate the one mile distance and 700 foot elevation gain while carrying the patient. Rescuers worked tirelessly despite temperatures in the 30s and altitude sickness.
Subscribe today for unlimited access.
Already a subscriber?
Login
Not ready to subscribe?
Register for limited access.
If you have a print subscription but require digital access,
activate your account.
