Footage Shows Dramatic Helicopter Rescue After Hiker Gets Stuck On Cliff

A heart-stopping video has been shared by police showing an elderly hiker being rescued and hoisted up to safety by a paramedic on a helicopter harness as she fell into a canyon. Watch the clip below:

The terrifying accident happened at a popular hiking spot called Rubio Canyon near to Pasadena, California on Saturday afternoon at around 4.30pm

The 69-year-old woman was out hiking with a man when they somehow ended up away from the trail.

When the paramedics and first responders arrived at the scene, they discovered the woman hanging over the side of a sheer drop, clinging onto some roots protruding from the cliff face.

They managed to lower one of the emergency service workers down via a rescue harness, and he managed to get into position at exactly the right moment, as the woman lost her grip on the roots and fell into the cavern.

The whole thing was captured on camera by Fox 11 Los Angeles, and footage shows the heroic rescuer grabbing the red-shirted woman at exactly the correct moment. She's then lifted up and carried back to safety.

Next, she's reunited with her hiking partner at the top and the pair are led to a clearing on foot.

At one stage, the rescued woman can be seen hugging and posing for pictures with her gallant saviour.

Mercifully, the only injuries suffered were minor scrapes and bruises, and both refused medical treatment.

After the incident the first responder managed to get away from the scene in pretty much the same way that he'd arrived - he allowed his colleagues in the chopper to lower down a cable and hoist him up and out of the canyon.

As for the pair of hikers, they just continued on with their hike and presumably arrived home with an interesting story to tell and some pictures to show their friends, as well as their aforementioned minor scrapes and grazes.

Oh, and the TV cameras managed to get some dramatic footage that they could put on the evening news.

At least no-one was hurt during the filming. It could have all ended drastically differently were it not for the actions of the emergency service worker.

In a statement released after the fact, the Altadena Sheriff's Station said that the hiking couple were eventually able to make it up to the trailhead without any further assistance or any more incidents.

All's well that ends well.

Featured Image Credit: Fox 11 Los Angeles

Topics: Inspirational, Interesting, US News

Tom Wood

Tom Wood is a LADbible journalist and Twin Peaks enthusiast. Despite having a career in football cut short by a chronic lack of talent, he managed to obtain degrees from both the University of London and Salford. According to his French teacher, at the weekend he mostly likes to play football and go to the park with his brother. Contact Tom on [email protected]

@TPWagwim