Davis-Monthan pararescue Airmen help save teen

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Michael Hess
  • 355th Wing Public Affairs
DAVIS-MONTHAN AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. (AFNEWS) --  Pararescue Airmen assigned to the 563rd Rescue Group here saved a local teenager after a hiking accident March 30 in an Arizona canyon.

A loosened boulder struck two of four Sabino High School students who were hiking together March 28 in Soldier Canyon. One teen went for help while another teen stayed with the two injured friends.

Emergency rescue volunteers responded to the injured teens, but because of rough terrain only one boy was carried off the mountain. When terrain difficulties also derailed a rescue attempt by a Department of Public Safety helicopter crew, military assistance was requested.

"We were just getting ready for a night training sortie when we got the call," said Tech. Sgt. Christopher Friesz, the mission's flight engineer.

The Davis-Monthan Air Force Base aircrew responded within an hour, and lowered a pararescueman to hoist the boy into the hovering helicopter.

The boy was transferred to the University Medical Center for treatment at 10 p.m. According to the command post report, he was admitted to the hospital approximately three hours after the squadron received the initial call.

The success of the mission was due to the ability and skill of the Airmen and local rescuers who set the rescue in motion, said Maj. Brett Hartnett, the 563rd Operational Support Squadron assistant director of operations.

"The success of this mission is a testament to our close bond with local authorities," Major Hartnett said.

So far this year, Airmen from the 563rd RG have performed three rescues, two of which involved hikers.

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