Helicopter rescue teams in Alaska moved rapidly as storm surge from the remnants of Typhoon Halong flooded the Yukon Kuskokwim Delta, destroying homes and isolating entire communities in Kipnuk and Kwigillingok while aircrews began one of the state’s largest evacuation operations. Why helicopters became the critical lifeline Villages along western Alaska often have no road access and depend on air …
Military helicopters stand as lifesaving giants in the world of search and rescue. Their robust design, proven in the most demanding conditions, gives them unparalleled abilities. These aircraft excel at carrying heavy loads, operating in severe weather, and deploying advanced rescue technology. This inherent power and resilience make them vital to global humanitarian work, allowing crews to perform heroic missions …
Wildfire helicopter crew avoids critical injuries during a forced landing near Pemberton, B.C., a successful outcome that highlights the critical importance of training and preparation. The incident occurred on the morning of September 3, 2025, when a BC Wildfire Service helicopter carrying an initial attack crew was compelled to land in a forested area south of the community. Immediately after …
When a hiker in only shorts and a T-shirt became stranded and injured near Mount Seymour in North Vancouver, the recent North Shore helicopter rescue demonstrated both the power of mountain emergency systems and the dangers of under-preparation. This event, unfolding on September 15, 2025, underscores critical wilderness safety principles as volunteers and air crews race against worsening weather to …
A CBP helicopter hiker rescue that captured regional attention involved consecutive missions by U.S. Customs and Border Protection Air and Marine Operations crews in the Franklin Mountains near El Paso and the Organ Mountains near Las Cruces. According to CBP’s El Paso Air Branch, the team performed a hoist extraction for a dehydrated hiker in Texas, then diverted to New …
The Maui Police air unit has begun service with a BK117 named Hekili, adding twin engine power, advanced search technology, and wildfire response tools to county wide public safety. This aircraft provides officers and partners a fast lift to remote terrain and a stable platform for lifesaving missions day or night. The Multi Mission Capabilities of the BK117 Platform The …
The wilderness rewards preparation but punishes overconfidence, a lesson 46-year-old Ryan Wardwell learned in terrifying fashion during what should have been a routine descent down California’s Seven Teacups waterfall. For two endless days in August 2025, the experienced canyoneer fought for survival behind a curtain of pounding water, his body battered by hypothermia-inducing currents, his fate hanging on the skill …
Air National Guard rescue assets were deployed to Japan’s Misawa Air Base from July to August 2025, standing ready for potential real-world personnel recovery missions during the historic Resolute Pacific exercise. This Department-level training series represented one of the most comprehensive demonstrations of joint force capabilities across the Indo-Pacific, spanning thousands of miles and multiple operational theaters. The Guard’s participation …
The Minnesota State Patrol unveiled its new Trooper 7 helicopter in May 2025, marking a significant upgrade in aerial rescue capabilities. This twin engine Bell 429 replaces older single-engine models, bringing enhanced safety features and operational improvements to emergency response across the state. Enhanced Rescue Capabilities The $14 million investment provides Minnesota with a helicopter specifically designed for complex rescue …
A dramatic Coast Guard cliff rescue on Oregon’s rugged coastline has captured national attention after two teens became trapped near God’s Thumb in Lincoln City. The successful operation, conducted by the U.S. Coast Guard using an MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter, demonstrated the vital role of aerial emergency services in saving lives from hazardous, inaccessible locations. Emergency at God’s Thumb The incident …