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