Contra Costa Sheriff rescues hiker
Contra Costa Sheriff STARR 3 helicopter airlifted female hiker.
Contra Costa Sheriff of California, US, has shared a video from a mission to rescue an injured hiker on 6 May. At around 13:20 hrs, Contra Costa Fire Protection District (Con-Fire) requested assistance from the Sheriff STARR 3 helicopter to airlift the female hiker from a remote trail on Mt Diablo.
The helicopter crew responded and within minutes located the casualty approximately one mile up Donner Creek Trail, lying on the ground and not moving. STARR 3 landed nearby and deployed a flight rescue technician and Con Fire captain/paramedic to evaluate the victim. Meanwhile, Con-Fire Engine 11 personnel responded and staged at the end of Regency Drive in Clayton.
Due to a severe broken ankle and the extended time it would take to carry the patient out one mile on the moderately steep and unstable terrain, Con-Fire requested STARR 3 lift her via short-haul to reach awaiting medical units.
The helicopter’s tactical flight officer set up the aircraft for a short-haul operation and, within minutes, the victim was extracted using an air rescue extraction system bag to the awaiting medical unit and transported to the hospital for further treatment, said the Sheriff.