Prescott AZ (August 22, 2019) – On August 18, 2019, just before 10AM, YCSO deputies were dispatched to an area off Senator Highway in Groom Creek regarding a 39-year-old woman who fell from her horse. Deputies learned the horse apparently lost its footing while on trail number 307 and both horse and rider rolled down a hill. The rider sustained a broken collar bone. A deputy, assisted by medical personnel, hiked more than 2 miles to meet up with the victim (rider). At that time, the team determined it would be in her best interest, in part because of the distance to reach the ambulance and her significant injuries, to airlift her from the scene.
The Department of Public Safety Ranger helicopter team arrived just after 1:30 PM and lowered a DPS paramedic to the victim and rescue personnel. The DPS medic secured her in a rescue harness and she was airlifted to a pre-designated landing zone for transfer to ground ambulance. She was taken to Yavapai Regional Medical Center for treatment. Deputies reported the horse survived and will be ok.
Note – A working cell phone with good service was a lifeline for the victim. No cell service in some of these remote areas would require the use of a personal locator beacon utilizing satellite technology. See https://www.sarsat.noaa.gov/emerbcns.html for details. These units are available online or at many local retailers.
