A rescue box on Skyline Trail in Palm Springs saved a life over the weekend, according to Sergeant Marc Melanson of the Palm Springs Police Department.
Melanson stated how equipped with only two liters of water, Mike King, 63 years old, went for a hike early Saturday morning and had to be airlifted away due to fatigue and dehydration.
King made it to the 6,000 foot level when he began feeling tired and then turned around making it back to 2,500 foot level. Melanson said he ran out of water, but found refuge in a rescue box. King used his cell phone to call his wife who then dialed 911. King was able to survive off the water until rescuers arrived.
This is the first time a rescue box has saved a life, according to Melanson. Last year volunteers planted these boxes on the trail to help hikers who get lost or need help in case of an emergency.
There are two boxes on the trail, one at the 5,000 foot level and one at the 2,500 foot level. Each box contains a cellphone, water, space blanket, sun umbrella , flashlight and other aid materials.
Click here to see pictures of the rescue box and the contents inside.
