Two separate hiking emergencies on Wednesday highlighted the readiness of the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department (LVMPD) Search and Rescue (SAR) team. The incidents, which occurred on Frenchman Mountain and Red Rock Canyon, involved hikers who strayed from marked trails and required swift aerial assistance.

Frenchman Mountain rescue

LVMPD SAR personnel aboard the department’s Air 1 helicopter were dispatched after reports of two hikers stuck on Frenchman Mountain. The hikers had ventured off the designated trail and became “ledged out,” a term used by rescuers to describe being unable to safely descend without assistance. Although uninjured, the hikers needed help to return to a safe location.

Rescue crews from the 511 Special Response team were inserted onto the mountain and placed the hikers in hot seats, a safety device that provides warmth and support during high‑altitude extractions. The team then hoisted the hikers to the helicopter, where they were transferred to ground personnel for final care.

Red Rock Canyon rescue involving a child

Shortly after the Frenchman Mountain operation, the same Air 1 crew was en route to Red Rock Canyon for a scheduled hoist‑operator training exercise when a new emergency call came in. A hiker reported that a 6‑year‑old child had become lost near the Turtlehead Peak Trail. The child and adult were off‑trail, exposed to cold temperatures, and without provisions.

LVMPD SAR diverted the aircraft from its training mission and flew directly to the scene. The 511 Special Response team was again inserted, providing immediate hypothermia prevention measures for the child. Both the child and the accompanying adult were then hoisted to the helicopter and brought to the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) helipad, where ground crews took over.

Community safety reminder

LVMPD officials reminded residents and visitors that staying on marked trails, carrying adequate water and warm clothing, and informing someone of your planned route are essential safety steps. The department’s SAR team remains on standby for emergencies throughout the Las Vegas Valley, ready to respond quickly and protect both locals and tourists who enjoy the region’s natural beauty.

These successful rescues underscore the importance of well‑trained first‑responders and the value of coordinated aerial and ground efforts in protecting Nevada’s outdoor enthusiasts.

Original reporting: News 3 KSNV Las Vegas (local) — read the source article.