Nine weekend rescues include two medical emergencies in Enchantments

LEAVENWORTH — Chelan County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) reported nine search and rescue calls for service over the weekend, which included two significant medical-related rescues in the Enchantments area.

On July 25, CCSO responded to a report of a sick 15-year-old female near Colchuck Lake, who was unable to get out on her own. Chelan County Volunteer Search and Rescue

personnel and a Cascade Medical paramedic met her on the trail to assist with getting out.

Two days later, the sheriff’s office received an InReach activation in the Assgard Pass area. A 47-year-old male from Florida was reported to be unresponsive and experienced significant medical issues while climbing the pass. The U.S. Army Yakima Medivac unit responded with a hoist capable helicopter and transported the hiker to Yakima Memorial Hospital.

“We would like to remind people enjoying our amazing back country to properly prepare for your hike, know your limits, and check the weather in the area you will be in,” CCSO wrote in a report.

The weekend’s medical emergencies underscore the challenges hikers face in the demanding Enchantments terrain. Just last month, CCSO rescued a 32-year-old hiker near Perfection Lake who was injured from a fall. The rescue required a helicopter, which transported the hiker just before an incoming wind storm.

As mentioned in previous Echo reporting, hikes in the Enchantments require no less than seven miles and 4,400 feet in elevation to reach just one of the lakes, according to the Washington Trails Association (WTA). WTA says the experience should not be “underestimated.” 

WTA encourages hikers to check trail reports for weather conditions and hazards, plan out hikes within your skills and experience, pack accordingly, and hike with a buddy. It recommends making a plan of what to do in case of an emergency, such as learning how search and rescue works in the area beforehand, packing and knowing how to use a satellite communication device, and taking a wilderness first aid course. According to WTA, search and rescue conduct more than 800 missions a year to help lost and injured outdoor recreationists in Washington state alone.

Taylor Caldwell: 509-433-7276 or taylor@ward.media