Ain't No Mountain High Enough - Andersen AFB First Responders Rescue Hiker Published April 15, 2025 By Staff Sgt. Pedro Tenorio 36th Wing ANDERSEN AIR FORCE BASE, Guam -- On April 11, 2025, Andersen AFB firefighters and 36th Medical Group paramedics responded to a medical emergency that turned into a high-angle rescue on one of the installation's most difficult hiking trails. The incident occurred near Tarague Overlook, where a group of hikers had descended down one of the base's many historically significant trails. This particular trail leads to one of the largest and well-preserved World War II plane wrecks that happened on Guam. Although a scenic hike, this trail is also known to be one of the hardest hikes on base. This is due to most of the trail being one steep slope, the abundance of loose limestone causing unstable footing, and dense vegetation creating many obstacles needed to climb or duck under. The above information is shared to paint the picture and severity of the situation that followed. About 20 minutes away from exiting the trail, one of the hikers became unable to continue up the steep slope. Emergency services were called and paramedics were the first to descend down and began evaluating the hiker. They determined the individual would be unable to climb out without assistance and a rescue operation was initiated. "The first dispatch was for a medical emergency," said Chief Nino Garcia, Andersen AFB fire department. "First responders made the call to elevate this to a rescue. It was a good call on the paramedics." Andersen AFB Fire and Emergency Services personnel then deployed with recue gear, including a stretcher and harnesses, and began their descent to join the paramedics. While getting to the hiker was manageable, the ascent back up with a patient was the true challenge. As stated earlier, the trail back up had sharp elevation changes, loose gravel, narrow pathways, and obstructing vegetation. Transporting an injured person safely and quickly up this kind of trail was a task that required a combined effort from all involved. Including the remaining hikers. With determination and coordination, the hiker was safely transported through the jungle and brought to the awaiting ambulance. "Teamwork really showed in this operation," said Garcia. "They moved as one unit, not as individuals. For me it was like the training was proven in this moment." The training Garcia is referring to, is a jungle rescue training course that some firefighters elect to partake in. The training focuses on high-angle and confined space rescue trainings. Garcia said he is proud of the members who put their knowledge into good use and was also proud of the new firefighters who were on scene and dove in to help without hesitation. Garcia also noted that the lessons learned in this rescue will be passed on to future responders. Andersen AFB commends the professionalism, skill, and bravery of the first responders involved and thanks them for their service to the community. Andersen AFB would also like to remind everyone to be careful when hiking anywhere on Guam, Have a good variety of food, water, and gear. Be aware of the quick changes of weather. Hike in groups. Plan for unreliable phone service. Let someone not on the hike with you know your estimated time of completion. Be safe out there Team Andersen!