Idaho Guard conducts three successful rescues in four days

BOISE, Idaho - The Idaho Army National Guard conducted three successful search-and-rescue missions in three days last week, assisting local search-and-rescue agencies with rescues in remote parts of Ada and Custer counties.

"Whether our Soldiers are serving overseas in support of combat operations or responding to an emergency here at home, the Idaho National Guard is trained to operate in some of the most challenging environments imaginable," said Maj. Gen. Tim Donnellan, adjutant general of the Idaho National Guard.

On Sept. 18, an Idaho Army National Guard flight crew assisted Custer County authorities in rescuing a husband and wife who each suffered broken bones while hiking near Challis. The crew hoisted both hikers and transported them to the Challis Airport, where they were transferred to Air St. Luke's for further medical care.

The previous day, Sept. 17, an Idaho Army National Guard flight crew assisted Custer County Search and Rescue with the rescue of a 77-year-old man who had a broken leg near Redfish Lake. The crew hoisted the man and transported him to Stanley Airport, where an ambulance waited to take him for further medical treatment.

On Sept. 16, the Idaho Army National Guard assisted Boise County Search and Rescue and Idaho Mountain Search and Rescue with the rescue of a 59-year-old mountain biker near Dead Dog Creek in Ada County. The man had become lost in the Boise National Forest and had not been heard from since Sept. 13. He was dehydrated, and medics were unable to establish an intravenous line. The flight crew hoisted the man and transported him to civilian medical care for further treatment.

The Idaho Army National Guard's HH-60 Black Hawk helicopters provide search-and-rescue agencies throughout Idaho with unique capabilities. The aircraft have powerful engines that let crews operate at high elevations and hoists that can rescue people from rugged, inaccessible terrain. In addition, the Idaho Army National Guard operates the only helicopters in Idaho with this hoist capability.

"Our unique dual mission makes us exceptionally capable when Idahoans need help," Donnellan said. "These crews bring the same professionalism, training and readiness to a mountain rescue that they bring to missions anywhere in the world."

The missions brought the Idaho Army National Guard's total number of search-and-rescue missions this year to 11, including four in September.