Helicopter Heroism Award Nominations
| PHI, Inc Air Evac Services, Inc Rescue of Impaled Hiker | |
| White Tank Mtns, Buckeye, Arizona - 6/7/2008 | |
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| Shortly after a new program was established, the crew members of HALO 151 were requested to assist with a search for an injured motorcyclist in the White Tank Mtns west of their base at Glendale Municipal Airport, Glendale, AZ. The crew, being dispatched by the West Deputy Chief and being the first unit sent to the scene, loaded into their aircraft and launched to the area of the search. Upon arriving in the area, HALO 151 initiated their search for the injured party. Shortly thereafter, the injured party was located. The crew tried to relay to dispatch the details of the location and apparent injuries to be given to the ground units responding but, due to the mountainous location, communications were broken at best. Ultimately, it was discovered the ground units had initiated their efforts on the east side of the mountain and were at least 3 hours away from making contact with the patient located on the western desert slopes. The crew elected to attempt a landing and make contact with the patient to assess the situation. After a suitable site was selected, both crew members assisted the pilot in obstacle clearance while a light to moderate dust landing was completed. Upon making contact with the patient, it was ascertained his injuries were, in fact, grave and was close to irreversible shock due to internal injuries after being impaled during the accident. The flight crew initiated immediate lifesaving measures while trying to communicate the urgency of the sitaution to incoming ground units. However, communications were impossible and no ground units would be able to assist. The 3 member crew carried the patient back to the aircraft, loaded him and departed for the nearest trauma center. Upon arrival at the trauma center, doctors took over care of the patient who made a full recovery. The actions taken by the flight crew in the field saved the injured recreationalist's life. | |
