Idaho Army National Guard Conducts Remote Rescue Mission

The Idaho Army National Guard assisted with a search and rescue mission near New Meadows, Idaho, Oct. 29, marking the second time in as many months the team has supported local fire and emergency medical services in a remote part of the state.

In the afternoon, an HH-60 Black Hawk crew hoisted a 46-year-old woman, who had suffered a broken ankle on a hiking trail, and transported her to the airport. Fire and emergency medical services then transported her to a medical center for further treatment.

"That's a very remote area, and there's no way to get any kind of vehicle in there, even a dirt bike," said Doug Buys, Meadows Valley Fire and EMS chief. "With the extent of her injuries, we decided, if possible, we were going to try to airlift her out of there."

Buys said the last time someone was rescued near that same spot, it took seven to eight hours due to the complex terrain.

The Idaho Army National Guard previously assisted the agency in September with another remote rescue mission involving a hunter who punctured his calf after an arrow fell out of his quiver.

"We very much appreciate the Idaho Army National Guard helping us twice now," Buys said. "It's best for the patient. It definitely helps rural Idaho as it grows to help protect the recreationists who come out here. Without the help of the Idaho National Guard, I'm not sure what we would have done."

Idaho Army National Guard HH-60 Black Hawk helicopters provide search and rescue agencies throughout Idaho with a unique capability. These aircraft allow crews to operate at high elevations and are equipped with hoists capable of rescuing people from rugged and inaccessible terrain.

The Idaho Army National Guard operates the only helicopters in the state with this hoist capability. The team has completed 17 successful search and rescue missions this year, including four in October.