Full Notification

Henry 1 rescue 11/8/14 CR# 141108-019


On 11/8/14 at approximately 5:44 PM the Sonoma County Sheriff’s Helicopter Henry 1, was dispatched to the area of Bodega Head to assist with the rescue of an injured hiker. The Henry 1 crew consists of a pilot, deputy sheriff/EMT and a paramedic, all trained to perform long line rescues. After the 7 minute flight to the scene, the Henry 1 crew observed a Sonoma County Park Ranger/EMT who had just made contact with the 23 year old female patient. The Henry 1 pilot landed on a nearby beach where a crew member got out of the aircraft and made his way to the patient, who fell approximately 20 feet from Bodega Head. The patient was conscious but suffered significant injuries as a result of the fall.

State Parks personnel arrived on scene along with Bodega Bay Firefighters and a paramedic. Based on the patient’s location with only a trail to access the parking lot above, the rescue crews determined a long line rescue was appropriate. The Henry 1 pilot landed on top of Bodega Head and configured the aircraft for a long line rescue, attaching a 100 foot rope to the belly of the aircraft.

While the Bodega Bay Fire Department paramedic began treating the patient for her injuries, the Henry 1 pilot flew in the appropriate equipment to extract the patient via long line. The crews on scene from multiple agencies quickly secured the patient in a Stokes litter for the long line extraction. The Henry 1 deputy and Bodega Bay Fire Department paramedic were extracted along with the patient to awaiting EMS crews at the Bodega Head parking lot. The patient was ultimately transported to a medical facility via ground ambulance.

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