Ocotillo, California - El Centro Sector Border Patrol agents assigned to the El Centro Station rescued a man lost in the desert area south of Ocotillo who was experiencing severe heat distress on Tuesday.

At approximately 3:40 p.m., the California Highway Patrol (CHP) transferred a 911 call from a man to the El Centro Border Patrol dispatch.  The man requested medical assistance and claimed to be lost.

Border Patrol agents responded to an approximate location provided by CHP.  However, an initial search yielded no results.  Agents formulated and organized a methodical search pattern and soon found the man in distress.

Agents quickly administered first aid and were shortly joined by El Centro Border Patrol's BORSTAR unit.  The BORSTAR unit transported the man to Interstate 8 where Ocotillo Fire Emergency Medical Services provided further care and transportation to a nearby medical center.

The El Centro Sector Community Awareness Campaign is a simple and effective program to raise public awareness on the indicators of crime and other threats.  We encourage public and private sector employees to remain vigilant and play a key role in keeping our country safe.  Please report any suspicious activity to the Border Community Threat Hotline at 1-800-901-2003.