A hiker who broke a leg near the summit of Black Elk Peak was rescued Saturday morning with help from the South Dakota Army National Guard.
Custer County Search and Rescue was called to the area just before 9 a.m. after the hiker reportedly slipped on rocks and suffered a broken leg near the peak.
The South Dakota Army National Guard in Rapid City provided helicopter support, allowing crews to quickly evacuate the injured hiker. Officials say the airlift prevented what would have been a lengthy carry-down over rugged terrain in dangerous heat conditions.
Search and Rescue leaders noted that the incident mirrored scenarios practiced during recent joint training exercises with the National Guard, helping crews respond efficiently.
Officials are also urging hikers to be prepared for summer conditions by carrying plenty of water and recognizing that Black Elk Peak can be much more challenging than it appears on a map.
