Now that more Georgians are venturing outdoors, local officials are keeping busy answering calls for help from hikers on area trails. Habersham and Rabun County Search and Rescue teams recently pulled two men from Tallulah Gorge. First responders in White County have answered multiple mountain-trail assist calls over the last several of weeks.
The latest incident occurred on Sunday, May 24, when a female hiker atop Yonah Mountain experienced a medical episode requiring rescue services. White County Fire and EMS crews used an all-terrain unit to transport personnel and equipment to the trail. From there, they walked to where the woman was located, according to White County Public Safety Director David Murphy. A second ATV unit helped carry the patient on a stretcher from the rock face. EMS crews evaluated her and she refused to be transported to the hospital, Murphy says.
The Lee Arrendale Fire Brigade assisted with the call, same as they did with the rescue in the gorge.
With a break in the rain expected this weekend, even more people are expected to hit area trails. Murphy urges everyone to follow the safety guidelines that are posted and to stay on the marked trails. “White County has beautiful terrain and exciting places to experience the outdoors. Those areas do come with some risk, so be prepared with proper clothing, shoes, water, and a well-charged cell phone,” he advises.
