36th Rescue Flight makes another save

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Nathan Putz
  • 92nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
Crewmembers of the 36th Rescue Flight successfully completed their 602nd save Aug. 13.

Just before 9 p.m., the crew, using night-vision goggles, began their hour-long flight to the Wenatchee, Wash., area.

Once reaching the response area, the crew was given their mission's details: Rescue a man stranded in a ravine alongside a 150-foot cliff who was epileptic, suffered from head and back injuries and a broken leg.

Using the UH-1N Huey's lift and hovering at 150 feet above the ground, pilot Capt. Sean Boldt, co-pilot Capt. Ben Milarch, and flight engineer Airman 1st Class Jacob Bragg lowered medical technician Tech. Sgt. Daniel Normandin and a backboard into the ravine where the sheriff's department was waiting.

After the sheriff's department and Sergeant Normandin stabilized the man, Sergeant Normandin called for the crew to hoist the man out of the ravine. The crew then headed for a local hospital but was notified of a weight restriction on their landing pad and was redirected to a waiting ambulance crew at a local airport.

This rescue was the 602nd since their activation more than 30 years ago. The 36th RQF supports parts of Washington, Oregon and Idaho with air evacuation and air rescue capabilities using their Hueys. (Courtesy of Air Education and Training Command News Service)