Mono County Search and Rescue juggles two calls at one time

On Aug. 5, the Mono County Search and Rescue Team was called out to assist Miguel Lizaragga, 49, of Imperial, Calif. who had injured his knee while backpacking in Convict Canyon, about two and a half miles above Convict Lake. SAR hiked in with a litter and wheel and transported him across the creek and down to Convict Lake where marina personnel helped ferry him across the lake.

At the same time, Elizabeth Brown, 63, of Berkeley, Calif. became ill while backpacking near Gem Lake. Some SAR members were diverted to June Lake where they began hiking in to assist her. However, a CHP helicopter was able to land near the dam and transport her to Mammoth Hospital. The SAR members were therefore able to return to Convict Lake and assist with Lizaragga’s carry-out. LAK/MCSD