FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Battalion Chief Jeff Sargis (760) 705-7122

On May 14, 2022 at 5:20 p.m., the Escondido Police and Fire Communication Center received a report of a missing and possibly injured person in the area of Del Dios, north of Lake Hodges. A fire response was dispatched to the area of Quail Glen Road and Via Rancho Parkway to assist the San Diego County Sheriff’s Department. The first arriving Captain met with family who stated their 80-year-old father had gone for a hike several hours prior and had not returned. Due to the very warm weather and dangers in the nearby terrain, the incident was upgraded to a rescue.

The patient was located, dehydrated and disoriented, approximately one mile from any nearby access points, off the trail and in the brush adjacent to Lake Hodges in Escondido. With assistance from both Sheriff’s ASTREA and San Diego Fire and Rescue Copter 1, the patient was air-lifted to a nearby landing zone for treatment and transport to a local hospital.

In all, 2 Engines, 1 Patrol Unit, 1 Ladder Truck, 1 Ambulance, 2 Chief Officers and 2 Helicopters responded. The response included assistance from San Diego County Sheriff, San Diego City Fire and Rescue Department, San Diego City Police Department.

Safety note: Please make sure to bring water and stay hydrated during hiking events, know the area you are hiking, carry a cell phone and don’t hike alone.