Injured hiker in San Juans rescued by Coast Guard helicopter after cliff fall

SEATTLE (AP) — Officials say a hiker was hoisted by a Coast Guard helicopter crew after she injured her head and back in a fall from a cliff in the San Juan Islands.

The U.S. Coast Guard says the San Juan County Sheriff's Office requested assistance on Obstruction Island at about 10:30 p.m. Wednesday.



 

Helicopter pilot Lt. Jacob Marks says paramedics administered CPR for about 20 minutes before finding the woman's pulse.

Marks says the woman and a rescue swimmer were hoisted simultaneously so the woman's breathing could be maintained.

A paramedic was also hoisted so care could continue from aboard the helicopter.

The hiker was transferred at Bellingham International Airport to emergency medical service personnel, who took her a hospital.

The hiker's current condition wasn't known.