CAL FIRE initiated an Air Rescue Program in 1997 to augment the Department's
all-risk emergency response role. Utilizing the CAL FIRE'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 designed to quickly retrieve 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 basket,
the helicopter then lifts both to safety a short distance away.
Hemet/Ryan Helitack, H-301 is available throughout CAL FIRE/Riverside Unit and is
dispatched by Riverside County Fire Department's Emergency Command Center (ECC) in
Perris.
The CAL FIRE Short Haul Rescue Team includes:
CAL FIRE Forestry Pilot, Rescue Supervisor, Crew Chief and two (2) Rescuers (EMT1
or Paramedic) level of medical training.
Rescue Training
Above: 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