A CHP helicopter swooped in to lift up a hiker who fell along the Middle Fork of the American River over the weekend and deliver him to a Roseville hospital.

The rescue at Ruck-a-Chucky rapids was needed when Chris Hammond, 57, of Kings Beach, fell after becoming light-headed. Hammond was unable to walk out so his frined hiked up the trail to get cell phone coverage, and phoned for help.

Once notified of Hammond’s predicament at around 3:45 p.m. Saturday, CHP helicopter 20 lifted off from the Auburn Airport. They found Hammond’s friend on a road above the river.

The friend was pointing downhill, allowing the helicopter crew to find the distressed Hammond sitting on a rock. The helicopter crew directed first responders on the ground to Hammond’s position.