Border Patrol Agents Rescue Injured Female from Mountain

Smuggler abandons female
Wednesday, January 09, 2008

Tucson, Ariz. – On January 5, 2008, Border Patrol agents assigned to the Tucson Sector rescued a woman in critical condition. The woman was found abandoned in the mountains and suffering from a broken leg near Bisbee, Arizona.

The rescue began when Border Patrol agents assigned to the Naco Station encountered an individual, on Arizona Highway 80, near Bisbee, Arizona. The individual explained that along his journey he had passed an injured female, approximately three to four miles south of the Highway. The Border Patrol immediately initiated a search and rescue operation involving CBP A&M helicopters, Horse Patrol and additional ground agents.

The woman was soon located, alone and unable to move on her own. A Border Patrol agent on scene, certified as an EMT, assessed her injuries and confirmed she had a broken leg. The agent was able to immobilize the woman’s leg for travel with a splint. Do to the conditions and rough terrain, the Air units could not land, therefore, agents brought the woman down the mountain on a litter to an awaiting ambulance. The woman was then transported to a local hospital for treatment.

An interview with the woman confirmed that the smuggler had continued on without her, thus leaving her alone in the desert for approximately four hours until another individual passed and promised to get her help.