EASTOVER, S.C. - The South Carolina Helicopter Aquatic Rescue Team saved a hiker with a life-threatening emergency from a remote area in Oconee County, South Carolina, on June 25.
The SC-HART team was notified about 5:30 p.m. that medical authorities in Oconee had reached a hiker in a remote area who was in urgent need of further care, but was located miles away from roads in mountainous terrain. The SC-HART capabilities were requested, as they can reach remote areas quickly with a South Carolina National Guard UH-60 Black Hawk and team who conduct hoist operations.
"The terrain was definitely difficult and it was hard to believe the gentleman had made it so far in the mountains," said Sgt. David Roupe, a crew chief and hoist operator with Alpha Company 1-111th General Aviation Support Battalion, South Carolina Army National Guard. "We conducted multiple hoists to get the medic to the patient along with equipment and then safely extract them."
The SC-HART crew were able to depart McEntire Joint National Guard in Eastover, pick-up team members along the way, save the hiker and return to their first stop before sunset.
"It was a very successful day for the HART team," said Dan McManus, SC-HART team leader. "This mission saved the medical team on the ground a six-hour dangerous hike to get the man to safety."
McManus added that the trees in the Oconee Mountains in the summer are thick and he was impressed with the air crew being able to find the location of the hiker and personnel on the ground so quickly.
"This was a very challenging mission that was executed superbly," said McManus. "Everything and everyone just came together and it worked."