RIMROCK, CA – Late Monday evening, San Bernardino County Fire (SBCoFD) crews responded to a report of a 15-year-old victim who had become trapped in a narrow rock crevice while climbing with his family in the Rimrock area. The victim’s family called 911 after several hours and multiple unsuccessful attempts to free him earlier in the day.
Crews arrived after dark to discover the teenager stuck approximately 30 feet down a crack between large boulders. The boy had slipped while climbing earlier in the day and became tightly wedged, unable to free himself. His positioning severely restricted his ability to breathe, posing a life-threatening situation.
Drones played a vital role in assisting rescuers during the operation by providing overhead lighting and real-time sustained aerial situational awareness of the scene. Equipped with high-powered lights, the drone illuminated the rescue site, enhancing visibility for crews working in the dark and navigating the rugged terrain. Live video feeds from the drone allowed the incident commander to monitor the situation from above, assess potential hazards, and coordinate resources more effectively. This aerial perspective helped ensure a safer and more efficient rescue effort, demonstrating the valuable role of drone technology in emergency response operations.
Firefighters located the teen and deployed a technical rope rescue system to safely extract him from the entrapment. Upon rescue, the victim was found to be suffering from hypoxia, dehydration, and hypothermia due to prolonged exposure to the elements.
Paramedics administered advanced life support measures before carefully carrying the victim down through the boulder field. The victim was safely transported by a waiting Morongo Basin Ambulance. He was then taken to Desert Regional Medical Center in Palm Springs for further treatment.
San Bernardino County Fire reminds residents and visitors to be mindful of the risks when exploring rocky or remote areas. Always use caution, stay on established trails, and ensure you have a way to call for help in case of an emergency. If someone becomes trapped or injured, avoid putting yourself in danger. Call 911 immediately so trained first responders can assist.
Date/Time: Monday, February 24, 2025 at 7:47 PM
Location: 1800 block of Roadrunner Rut Rd in Rimrock
Incident: Rescue (BDC#: 25-050937)
Contact: Shawn Millerick, Public Information Officer, (840) 266-1912, smillerick@sbcfire.org