JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARDSON, Alaska - Members of the Alaska Air National Guard’s 210th, 211th and 212th Rescue Squadrons rescued an injured hiker in the vicinity of Pioneer Peak, Alaska, late last night.
According to the Alaska Rescue Coordination Center, the fallen hiker was with another hiker, but because of the extent of her injuries was unable to walk out even with partner assistance.
Alaska State Troopers requested assistance from the Alaska Air Guard, who deployed aircrews and pararescue personnel aboard an HH-60 Pave Hawk helicopter from the 210th Rescue Squadron and an HC-130 King aircraft from the 211th Rescue Squadron.
“It was a straight forward mission assist, and the crews did a phenomenal job,” said Air Force Maj. John Romspert, the officer in charge at the Alaska Rescue Coordination Center
Pararescue personnel skill sets include specialized training in land and water rescue, as well as advanced medical care. Though the Alaska Air Guard rescue squadrons train primarily for their DoD mission involving combat scenarios, they are often called upon by local and state first responders to assist with a variety of response missions.
The injured hiker was hoisted from the steep terrain and taken to the Mat-Su Regional Medical Center for medical evaluation and treatment.