Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office Search & Rescue Helps Injured 71-Year-Old Male Near Elk Lake (Photo) - 07/19/26

Elk Lake, Ore. -- On Saturday, July 18, 2026, Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue (SAR) responded to a call at 2:30 p.m. involving a 71‑year‑old male with a reported back injury near the Island Meadow Trailhead by Elk Lake. The male was approximately 1.5 miles from the trailhead and unable to make it back on his own.

Thirteen SAR volunteers deployed to the area and located the male along the trail at 4:28 p.m. After an initial assessment, SAR volunteers utilized a single‑wheel litter—a rescue stretcher equipped with one wheel to assist with transport over uneven terrain—to safely move the patient back to the trailhead.

The male chose to self‑transport to the hospital with members of his party. No additional injuries were reported.

The Sheriff's Office extends its appreciation to the SAR volunteers for a quick and efficient response.

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