DESCHUTES, Ore. — A father and daughter out hiking with their dog had to be airlifted out of Deschutes National Forest on Sunday after the daughter suffered a severe knee injury off the trailhead.
A helicopter crew from the U.S. Coast Guard arrived close to two hours after receiving a report of the injury. Upon arrival, the crew was unable to lower the helicopter's hoist cable due to the height of the trees and the steep terrain around where the hikers were located.
According to the Coast Guard, "rescue swimmers" had to be lowered near the area of the hikers. They then took the injured hiker on a stretcher to a safe extraction point for the helicopter.
The aircrew team successfully lifted the two hikers and the dog, taking the trio to the Redmond Municipal Airport.
“This was an incredibly challenging but rewarding rescue,” said Lt. Cmdr. Jason Weeks. “The environment in this region posed significant challenges but, because of our constant training for dynamic conditions such as these, we were able to work together as an effective team and complete our mission successfully. This aircrew consisted of three dads, so it was very heartwarming to, on Father’s Day, to play a role in the safe return of a father and his daughter back to safety.”
The Coast Guard wanted to remind people when adventuring in the outdoors to remember the following safety guidelines:
- Carry a form of communication in the event you need assistance.
- File a travel plan and leave it with somebody you trust. It should include when you are leaving, where you will be, how long you will be gone and when you plan to return.
- Carry the appropriate gear, including a first aid kit, food, water and extra clothing in the event you need to shelter in place. In an emergency, rescuers may take several hours to reach your location.