Injured Equestrian Airlifted out of Caspers

Firefighters rescued today a 71-year-old man who was thrown off his horse in Caspers Wilderness Park just east of San Juan Capistrano.

Rescuers got the call that the man may have fractured his leg around 2:40 p.m. from the fall in a remote section of the park, said Capt. Steve Concialdi. 

"In addition, he was knocked out, had difficulty breathing and a decreased level of consciousness," Concialdi said.

Two search-and-rescue personnel were lowered from a helicopter to reach the injured man, who was then hoisted into the chopper, he said.

After picking up two firefighter/paramedics from a nearby ridge, the helicopter transported everyone to Mission Hospital, Concialdi said.

The 71-year-old was rushed into surgery with moderate injuries, he added.