Mt Whitney

Jan 2001

 I remember that crazy afternoon when the  sound of the alarm alerted the flight crew of an upcoming mission,  Sgt Jackson advised me  to join in on that flight right away. The RTO radio telephone operator gave us details on this accident in Indio county which consisted of a family of hikers that wanted to hike to the top of Mt Whitney before the New Year, the father fell down a ledge breaking his leg.  I scramble to grab my log book,  flight bag plus equipment, pre-flight procedures had already been completed then our medivac helicopter was ready for departure. Our crew consisted of 4 total, pilot, co- pilot, medic and crew-chief. I was so nervous about this upcoming mission to hoist extract those hikers because i didn't want anything to go wrong. I was on the right side of the aircraft then medic was on the left, i rehearsed everything in thought knowing many things could have gone wrong. I don't recall how long it took to get to the extraction point but it was not long till we were above the scene. I then transferred my medic's lanyard safety over the hoist checked all hoist hardware then proceeded to voice all my actions via ICS or inner communication system with the pilots. I then lowered the medic with the litter harness, i remember seeing the medic spinning due to the downdraft of the aircraft rotor wash on the way down. I was so glad to see him safely lowered on the mountain but it wasn't over yet. I waited till the medic  placed the injured man in the litter then was given the signal to raise the patient. Once again the down draft began spinning the litter on the way up. I was finally able to grab a hold of the litter holding the patient then struggling with possible hypoxia, strong winds, plus physical heavy lifting that kinda hurt my back. I pulled the patient in then secured him in the aircraft. I then re-lowered the hoist then proceeded recover the medic. This mission was such a surreal experience  that was one to remember with more missions to follow..... 

By Rafael Siqueiros...