Presidio, TX – Several agencies including U.S. Border Patrol agents, Air-Interdiction Agents from CBP Air and Marine Operations (AMO), Texas Parks and Wildlife Department Officers and the Presidio County Sheriff’s Office worked together to assist in the overnight rescue of an injured hiker in a popular canyon of Big Bend Ranch State Park.
Yesterday, a Border Patrol Agent patrolling along the river east of Presidio was notified by a concerned citizen about an injured hiker in “Closed Canyon” inside Big Bend Ranch State Park. The agent quickly responded and was first on the scene to provide assistance to the injured hiker. Due to the rugged terrain and high-angle bluffs, the agent called for more assistance to get the hiker out of the canyon. AMO’s Alpine Air and Marine Unit responded, as well as Presidio County Sheriff’s Office Deputies and Texas Parks and Wildlife Department Officers to converge on the scene.
The hiker, identified as a 67-year old female, had spent approximately 24-hours in the canyon due to an injured ankle. Since she was unable to make her way out due to exhaustion, the terrain and her injury, she spent the night in the canyon and waited for help.
An AMO Air-Interdiction Agent and the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department Officer who responded are also Emergency Medical Technicians (EMT’s), and were able to provide immediate care to the hiker.
The hiker was stabilized and able to walk out of the canyon with assistance. This is one more example of how highly-trained CBP officers and law enforcement partners work together to provide rapid response and critical medical support to residents in our communities.
