Rescue Helicopter Services to the Elk Coast.
Rescue helicopters provide a rescue capability not possible with conventional techniques. Fast, agile, professionally staffed and well equipped, these helicopters can mean the difference between life and death. The Elk Coast with it's highways and scenic ocean views is sometimes the scene of tragic accidents involving the steep cliffs that line the coast. Some 300 feet high, these cliffs are the highest in Mendocino County.
The Elk Coast is served by three different rescue helicopters. The California Dept. of Forestry (CDF) operates Helicopter 101 out of Willits. The Sheriff's Dept. operates Henry One out of Sonoma County. The Coast Guard operates a rescue helicopter out of Eureka.
Copter 101 is the closest rescue helicopter to the Elk Coast. Operated by CDF, this large rescue helicopter carries a crew of about 8. It is accompanied by a tender, on the left, which is full of gear and fuel. Seen here on a training session with Elk FIre, copter 101 performs rescue and firefighting missions.
On it's last visit to the Elk Coast, Copter 101 aided Elk Fire in the rescue of an injured and hypothermic abalone diver trapped on the beach 2 miles north of Elk. With Elk Fire's EMT's caring for the patient, Copter 101 hovered on a rock with the surf lapping at it's tail. The patient was loaded in the side door and quickly brought up by the highway. This helicopter saved the patient a lengthy haul up the cliff by Elk's Cliff Rescue Team.
This mobile tender (H101) is often on the road being strategically placed to service Copter 101. Packed full of fuel, medical and rescue gear, the tender is a very valuable member of this team. At this training session, Elk FIre members become familiar with the helicopter and tenders capabilities.
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