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Camper rescued from backcountry near Lemon Reservoir

Man experienced dizziness, nausea in high country
The Upper Pine River Fire Protection District assisted with a rescue mission Monday above Lemon Reservoir. A man was taken by Flight for Life to Mercy Regional Medical Center.

A man experiencing medical complications, possibly high-altitude sickness, was rescued by helicopter Monday evening near Lemon Reservoir.

The outfitter set up camp in the Young’s Canyon area, on the west side of Lemon Reservoir, and was feeling dizzy and nauseous and didn’t feel like he could make it out, said Bruce Evans, chief of the Upper Pine River Fire Protection District.

Authorities were alerted of his condition at 2:14 p.m.

About 15 search and rescue members, as well as members with Upper Pine, responded with horses and a Flight for Life helicopter.

The man, who was not identified, was helped down a mountain with switchback trails to a landing zone north of the reservoir, where the helicopter picked him up and took him to Mercy Regional Medical Center, Evans said.

“Hunters need to be aware of the need to acclimatize with elevation before exerting themselves,” the department wrote on its Facebook page.

The man was evacuated from the area about 6:30 p.m.

shane@durangoherald.com