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Hikers Release Video Of Rescue To Support Helicopter Crew

TAHOE NATIONAL FOREST, Calif. (CBS13) – A pair of hikers who were stranded in the wilderness after late season snow have posted the video of their rescue by helicopter online, hoping the dramatic video will drum up support for rescue crews at a time when counties are trying to trim costs.

Daniel Stone and Katie Eckert walked into the Tahoe National Forest with plenty of supplies and a GPS, but the late snow erased trail markers and equipment failure prevented the experienced hikers from getting out.

"Knowing where we were but not how we were going to get out was a very scary feeling," Katie said.

The hikers were able to contact help with a cell phone, and Nevada County authorities asked for help from the Placer County Sheriff's helicopter, one of the few in the region capable of rescue operations. It would have taken more than a day for a ground team to reach the couple.

A deputy roped down from the chopper and helped Katie onto the helicopter first, despite her fear of heights.

"[He] let me know what was going on and it was going to be okay," Katie said.

Daniel was wearing a chest-mounted camera and recorded the whole rescue, including his exhilarating ascent into the aircraft.

The couple said trying to hike out on their own would have been extremely dangerous and they believe the helicopter crew saved their lives. They posted their footage on YouTube after learning that Placer County's helicopter could be grounded due to budget cuts.

"Word needs to get out how important the helicopter is to our community," Daniel said. "Saving people's lives is more important than financial budgets."

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