Photos courtesy LAFD/Gary Apodaca
LAFD Lifesavers
On Aug. 6, the LA Fire Commission recognized the six LAFD firefighters for their dedicated efforts and skillful handling of a hiker whose life was in the balance.
The seven honored were:
Pilot IV Rickey Wheeler, Retired
Pilot I Scott Keelin
Capt. I/Paramedic Michael McIndoe
Firefighter/Paramedic Jesse Beck
Firefighter/Paramedic Dominic Marquis
Firefighter Patrick Mandich
Firefighter/Dispatcher Anthony Zermeno
Heroism on Display
In June 2023, three friends went hiking the Temescal Canyon Trail above the Pacific Palisades coastline. It was a warm, humid day and as the group returned to the trailhead, one hiker felt weak and dizzy, unable to continue walking. His friends were concerned and called 9-1-1, triggering the dispatch of a hiker rescue response.
Task Force 69 and their paramedic rescue ambulance, RA69, made their way to the canyon while LAFD Air Operations dispatched two helicopters (hoist aircraft and command aircraft). Engine 69 and RA69 members arrived and began an arduous hike up the canyon with the necessary equipment and supplies. The topography made radio communications difficult, and the Metropolitan Fire Communications (MFC) 9-1-1 call-taker remained on the phone with the hikers and relayed information to the Incident Commander to help the crews locate the group. The Engine 69 Captain was also experienced in the area and used his expertise to find a better line-of-sight to the command airship to improve their radio communications.
Through their teamwork, the firefighters were able to locate their patient, a 55-year-old male complaining of dehydration, dizziness, nausea and difficulty walking. The Firefighters took note of his worrying vital signs, started an IV and administered fluids, along with various cooling measures. The crew recommended a hoist operation.
The Incident Commander and helicopter pilots assessed the situation and concurred. After a successful hoist, the patient was onboard Fire-1, and an ECG measured further serious complications and an ongoing heart event. He was then swiftly flown via air ambulance to an appropriate medical facility.
The LAFD crew identified the severity of his condition and ensured his safety by hoisting him out and quickly getting him to advanced medical care. The coordinated efforts of the members from Fire Station 69, the diligent 911 call-taker and the talented Air Operations not only resulted in the successful hoist rescue of a hiker in distress but also saved the life of a man.
The Club congratulates the six Firefighters for their heroic action in saving a life, and honors and celebrates them for their critically important public service
