Chattooga Hiker rescued

Four Oconee County emergency workers rescued a hiker in the Ellicott Rock wilderness area yesterday. Oconee County Emergency Services director Scott Krein said the woman suffered a broken ankle. She and her daughter were spending the day on the trail when she fell. The daughter signaled another hiker for help. That hiker, after walking three to four miles, was able to place a 911 call. Once alerted, according to Oconee County Fire Chief Charlie King, the rescuers needed two hours to reach her. A South Carolina Helicopter Aquatic Rescue team assisted in the operation. An awaiting ambulance transported the injured hiker to Oconee Medical Center, but it was past dark when the remaining rescue workers and the injured hiker’s daughter were able to walk out. Chief King says there were a number of reasons why the rescue succeeded. The first, being the fact that the hikers had prepared for the day with food, water, and necessities. They had made a plan with other family members in case there was an emergency. Second, Chief King said, the training Oconee County has provided its rescuers proved effective in yesterday’s setting of rough mountainous terrain.