A Sheriff’s helicopter was called to rescue a Desert Hot Springs man who suffered a heat related emergency in Joshua Tree National Park on July 4. According to the San Bernardino Sheriff’s Department, Gregory Nawrocki, 57, parked his motorcycle at the Boy Scout Trail trailhead and followed the several miles northbound.
While hiking, he suffered a heat-related emergency and could not continue hiking. Nawrocki was alone and called 911 to report he needed help.
Due to the remote location and steep, rugged terrain, fire dispatch requested Sheriff’s Aviation Unit for a hoist rescue. The crew of Air Rescue 308 responded to the scene and after an extensive search located Nawrocki lying down on the trail. The crew hoisted a rescuer down to him and he was placed in a rescue harness. He was then hoisted to the helicopter, followed by the rescuer.
Hoist lengths reached 175 feet. Nawrocki was flown to awaiting medical personnel staged at the trailhead, evaluated, and taken to a hospital for treatment and care.
