
The CDF initiated an Air Rescue Program in 1997 to
augment the Department's all-risk emergency response role. Utilizing the CDF's
UH-1H "Super Huey" as a flying fire engine, the Air Rescue Team can be rapidly
deployed to the scene of an emergency by either landing, heli-stepping (in close
proximity) or deploying the Rescuers directly to the victim's location utilizing
Short Haul Rescue Techniques.
Short Haul is an emergency rescue tool
meant to quickly get an individual out of a dangerous situation and place them
in a safe location. Short Haul involves a Rescuer being lowered on a rope from a
hovering helicopter, to the victim below. After the Rescuer rigs a harness to
the victim, or if injuries warrant, places the victim in a stokes litter basket,
the helicopter then lifts both to safety a short distance
away.
Hemet/Ryan Helitack, H-301 is available throughout CDF/Riverside
Unit and is dispatched by Riverside County Fire Department's Emergency Command
Center (Perris).
The
CDF Short Haul Rescue Team includes:
CDF Forestry Pilot, Rescue
Supervisor, Crew Chief and two (2) Rescuers (EMT1 or Paramedic) level of medical
training.
Rescue Training

Engineer Mark Kalisek (left) inspects
the typical rigging for Rescuer 1 at right

Rescuer, FFI Tim
Rodriguez returning from a training exercise
Incident
Photos:

Rescue Supervisor, Engineer Matt Stanford surveying
the site
before deployment

Rescuer, FFI Brett Minor signaling to the Crew
Chief - good
altitude at an Ortega Mountain rescue