Hiker rescued near Mount Washington, Oregon

The request for assistance was assigned to the cellphone team just before noon local time on 14 August.

Major John Schofield worked the mission with Lieutenant Colonel Vic LaSala, his fellow team member, supporting the data analysis. Maps of the area showed very rugged terrain with deep ravines and no landing area for a rescue helicopter, Schofield said.

A 911 emergency call had been received earlier in the morning, but a LifeFlight helicopter crew found no sign of the injured hiker at the scene, so it returned to its base. As Schofield and LaSala joined in the search effort, an Oregon Army National Guard Black Hawk helicopter with a paramedic on board was dispatched to support the continuing search.

“The hiker could see and hear the Life Flight helicopter, but they couldn’t see him,” Schofield said. “Despite a smashed phone screen, the hiker managed to make another 911 call before his phone died, and that’s the one that we locked in on to guide the Black Hawk to the right area.

“We were able to get coordinates with very good accuracy, and that’s where the rescue team spotted the injured hiker.”

Lucas later reported that the hiker had injuries preventing his mobility. He was flown to a hospital in Bend, Oregon.

“Our Total Force Airmen handle between 30 to 50 search and rescue incidents a day,” said US Air Force Lieutenant Colonel Matt Mustain, AFRCC commander, First Air Force. “As part of a team effort with CAP, federal, state and local agencies, it’s rewarding to know we’re always making a difference.”