Coast Guard medevacs injured hiker from Afognak Island, Alaska

ASTORIA, Ore. - An MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter crew from Air Station Astoria, Ore., performs a search and rescue (SAR) demonstration before crowds on the Columbia River in Astoria, Saturday, August 13, 2011.The SAR demonstration was performed as part of the 117th Asoria Regatta celebration.This year's Astoria Regatta is appropriately titled "Happy 200th Birthday Astoria."U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Nate LittlejohnANCHORAGE, Alaska — A Coast Guard Air Station Kodiak MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter crew medevaced an injured hiker from the northern coast of Afognak Island, near Kodiak, Sunday.

The Jayhawk crew safely hoisted the 62-year-old male hiker and transported him to awaiting emergency medical services in Kodiak.

Watchstanders from Coast Guard Sector Anchorage received a report Sunday evening that the hiker had fallen from a cliff and suffered injuries. Watchstanders notified the duty flight surgeon, who recommended medevac, and directed the launch of the Jayhawk crew.

“Our helicopter crews train for rescues over water and over land,” said said Lt. Adam Mullins, public affairs officer at Air Station Kodiak. “This training prepares them to respond to a variety of situations throughout Alaska.”


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