Mesa, Arizona — A hiking trip at Usery Mountain Regional Park turned into a helicopter rescue after a man experienced symptoms of a possible heart attack.
According to the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office, the emergency occurred on a rugged section of trail where ground crews had difficulty reaching the pair due to the terrain.
MCSO’s aviation unit responded using its Fox 1 helicopter. Deputies located the hikers on a narrow stretch of trail inside the popular desert park east of Mesa.
Rescuers lowered a specialized rescue device known as an SR Gloccer to reach the man safely. The device allowed the aviation crew to secure him and hoist him into the helicopter from the remote trail location.
Authorities said the man was then flown to a nearby landing zone where emergency medical personnel were waiting to provide treatment.
After the patient was transported, the helicopter crew returned to the trail area and safely hoisted the woman who had been hiking with him, according to the sheriff’s office.
Usery Mountain Regional Park is a well-known destination for hiking, mountain biking, and outdoor recreation in the Phoenix metropolitan area, but its rocky terrain and steep trails can make rescues challenging when emergencies occur.
The sheriff’s office said its Aviation Unit regularly assists with rescues in remote areas across Maricopa County, particularly when difficult terrain slows ground response.
For students, young workers, and others exploring Arizona trails, the incident highlights how quickly outdoor recreation can turn into an emergency requiring specialized rescue resources.
Authorities did not release the hiker’s condition or additional identifying details.
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