WARRENTON, Ore. — A Coast Guard Air Station Astoria MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter crew rescued a 40-year-old Kelso, Washington, resident who suffered a leg injury while hiking 4,100-feet up Mount St. Helens, Monday.
The man was successfully hoisted and transported to Long View Hospital where he was met by local emergency medical services for further transport to advanced medical care.
Coast Guard Sector Columbia River watchstanders were contacted by the Air Force on behalf of Cowlitz County in Washington, who reported the injured man and his condition.
The isolated location of where the individual sustained his injury made it difficult for emergency responders to rescue him.
“Today’s case was a prime example of the flexibility of the Coast Guard and our partnerships with local search and rescue agencies,” said Lt. Levi Rusch. “After some careful planning we were able to medevac the injured hiker from a steep slope in the mountains near Mount St. Helens and get him to medical care. The first responders who found and stayed with the injured hiker were invaluable to the success of the mission.”
