LIHUE — Officials with the Kauai Fire Department KFD reported conducting various rescues yesterday.
On Sunday, March 23, KFD personnel received numerous calls regarding hikers needing rescue. The first call was received a little after 2 p.m. for an injured hiker on the Makaleha Falls Trail in Kapaa.
According to the report, the hiker was hit by a falling rock in the head and was knocked unconscious.
Rescue 3 crew onboard Air 1 helicopter were immediately dispatched along with firefighters with the Kaiakea Fire Station that set up a landing zone near the trail. Once on the scene, KFD discovered the injured hiker at the base of the falls unconscious, with difficulty breathing and bleeding heavily from the head.
They loaded the injured hiker into a stroke liter and transported her to the landing zone at the water tank, where firefighters and American Medical Response (AMR) personnel awaited. AMR then took command of the scene and provided medical care to the hiker.
The victim was then transported to the Wilcox Medical Center in Lihue for advanced medical treatment. The scene was cleared shortly after 3:30 p.m.
Hours later, KFD was dispatched again for a call regarding an injured Utah visitor shortly after 3:30 p.m. at the Kalalau Trail on the North Shore near mile marker 1.5.
Rescue 3 crew onboard Air 1 helicopter were dispatched to the scene. Upon arrival, firefighters discovered the hiker with an apparent leg injury near the landing zone. Two firemen carried the hiker and secured the victim into the helicopter for safe transport.
Air 1 then landed at the Princeville Airport, where the hiker was transferred to Hanalei Fire Station personnel and awaiting AMR personnel. The scene was cleared after 4:40 p.m.
Visitors and outdoor enthusiasts are encouraged to visit the Department of Land and Natural Resources DLNR Division of Forestry and Wildlife Outdoor Recreation webpage for further information on Kauai’s Trails and Access. The website provides tips on preparing for any Kauai hike and information on specific trails.
For further information, visit dlnr.hawaii.gov/kauaitrails&access.
