A nine-year-old girl was airlifted to hospital after a family hike ended in disaster at the Red Top Lookout trail in Kittitas County, Washington. The child suffered a deep wound to her right leg after falling from the Red Top agate beds, said Erin Meador, acting lieutenant at Kittitas County Fire District 7.
Emergency call and response
On Saturday, September 12, the girl and her family set off on a weekend hike. At around 1.24pm, her parents made a panicked call to emergency services after she fell and injured herself. Kittitas County firefighters and agencies responded to the 911 call, according to Aaron Lowe, the district fire chief, who spoke to local media.
About 30 first responders were dispatched to the hiking trail north of Cle Elum, according to Kittitas County Fire District 7. Crews hiked roughly 2 miles to reach the injured girl.
Airlift to hospital
The child, who has not been named, was airlifted to Harborview Medical Center later that afternoon. Her condition is unknown.
In a detailed Facebook post, Kittitas County Fire District 7 said: "Due to the location of the injury, responders had to hike in to get the patient. Airlift Northwest was notified and was able to land near by and the child was then airlifted to a trauma center. In all approximately 30 responders assisted to help. Strong work by the entire team! Multiple agencies worked together for the best possible outcome."
The trail
Red Top Lookout trail is a short, steep 0.4-to-1-mile hike near Cle Elum in Kittitas County, Washington, known for panoramic summit views and local agate beds. Built in 1952, restored in 1997 — and still operational today — the trail leads to the functioning fire lookout, as well as magnificent 360-degree views of the Stuart Range, Teanaway Ridge, Chelan and Entiat Mountains, Mount Rainier and even Mount Adams on a clear day.
