Full Notification

Henry 1 rescue 11/7/2014 CR# 141107-018


On 11/7/14 at approximately 1:40 PM the Sonoma County Sheriff’s Helicopter, Henry 1, was requested to respond to the area of Olema in Marin County to assist with a rescue of an injured female subject who fell from a horse. The accident occurred on a trail in the Point Reyes National Sea Shore, with limited vehicle and emergency resource access. The Henry 1 crew consists of a pilot, deputy sheriff/EMT and a paramedic, all trained to perform long line rescues. After the 15 minute flight to the area, the Henry 1 crew arrived on scene and located the 55 year old patient and a National Park Ranger who was assisting her. The patient and ranger were on the trail surrounded by a dense canopy of trees.

The Henry 1 crew landed in a clearing nearby and configured the aircraft for a long line rescue, attaching a 200 foot rope to the belly of the aircraft. The Henry 1 pilot flew two crew members on the long line to the patient with medical and rescue equipment. After the Henry 1 paramedic assessed the patient, the crew and Marin County Fire personnel placed the patient in a rescue device to fly her out on the long line. Once secured in the device, the patient, accompanied by the Henry 1, crew was flown on the long line to an awaiting Marin County Fire ambulance. The patient was later transported to a medical facility for treatment.

The entire Henry 1 crew routinely trains for long line rescues in the ocean, on cliffs and other remote areas located along the north coast. For additional information on the Sonoma County Sheriff’s Helicopter unit, please visit www.friendsofhenry1.org


Prepared by Deputy Sheriff Chris Mahoney (707) 565-7195