Hiker Airlifted After Medical Emergency Near Mecca

Firefighters with the Riverside County Fire Department rescued a hiker in a remote area near Mecca on Wednesday.

Just before 1 p.m., crews responded to Ladder Canyon Trail after receiving reports of a hiker suffering a medical emergency. Due to the rugged terrain and limited access, a helicopter from the California Highway Patrol was called in to assist.

The helicopter crew located the patient and airlifted them to a nearby landing zone, where the individual was transferred to a waiting ground ambulance and transported to a local hospital.

Officials have not released details about the hiker’s condition.