Stranded hiker rescued above Walley's

It took Douglas County emergency teams three hours Tuesday to rescue a 39-year-old California hiker stranded on "D" Hill, more than 800 feet above David Walley's Resort.

Daniel Miller of Angwin, Calif., called 911 from his cell phone at 2 p.m. and said he was having trouble breathing.

East Fork Fire and Paramedic Districts and Douglas County Search and Rescue volunteers immediately dispatched a team of four paramedics and rescue personnel.

They worked their way up the steep terrain to evaluate Miller's condition and determine how to remove him from the near vertical mountainside before darkness.

Emergency personnel said Miller was hypothermic and dehydrated after being on the mountain for several hours without food or water.

Miller told authorities he and his 19-year-old son Steven had been hiking since morning and became separated.

Nevada Division of Forestry personnel dispatched a helicopter to evaluate the best way down and to drop additional personnel and equipment.

After Miller was given extra clothing and warm liquids, he was able to walk down the steep hill.

He was assisted by paramedics Brian Trute and Patrick Hughes along with search and rescue volunteers Ryder Evans, Mark Carlisle and Don Bartholomew.

Authorities said Steven Miller had walked out on his own to Walley's resort where the family was staying, unaware his father was in trouble.

Rescuers delivered Daniel Miller to an ambulance at 5:15 p.m. After re-evaluation, he refused further medical treatment.

Search and rescue personnel responded with 23 volunteers, and East Fork Fire and Paramedics had 15 staff. Assistance was provided by Tahoe-Douglas Fire Department and Carson City Sheriff's Search and Rescue.

Gary Dirks of the Nevada Department of Emergency Management arranged for the helicopter.