Air Evacuation of Critically Ill Day Hiker
June 3, 2008
Half Dome Trail, Sub-Dome Shoulder
At 10:22am Yosemite Dispatch was contacted via cell phone regarding a day hiker who experienced seizure activity followed by vomiting and extremely altered mentation (not aware of her name, time, place, or recent events). The reporting party stated that he was on scene with the ill hiker on the Half Dome Trail just below the shoulder of Half Dome in the trees. At the time there were no patrol rangers in the immediate area.
Yosemite’s contract helicopter, H-551, was immediately notified and launched from the Crane Flat helicopter base, arriving in the Awahnee Meadow at 10:57. H-551 was briefed and three Park Ranger Rescue/Medics were loaded under turning rotors. Eight minutes after landing, H-551 was off the ground and enroute to the scene flying through the Mist Trail Corridor. Without an exact GPS coordinate the spotters from the helicopter must find the victim on the trail. Once in the immediate area, the helicopter slowed and opened the rear sliding doors so that a search could begin.
Even though there were dense trees in the area, the reflection of a waving silver tarp was spotted almost immediately off the rear of the helicopter by a rescuer sitting backwards in the fuselage.
NOTE: If ever in trouble keep waving, even though the aircraft might be flying away from you; you don’t know which way everyone may be looking. Bright colors, reflective objects, and camera flashes are a few excellent tools for being spotted. Additionally, if you DON’T need help, please do not frantically wave at a rescue helicopter.
Because there there were no landing zones in the vicinity, the helicopter pilot and crew found a heli-rappel site. The rescuers were inserted on a 250 foot long rope, enabling the helicopter to hover above the trees while the rescuers descended the rope with medical gear. Rescuers made contact with the ill hiker at 11:15 and determined that a short-haul evacuation was necessary. H-551 circled and, when given the order, lowered packaging equipment to the scene, including a rescue litter, bridal system, and tie-in straps, before returning to the Awahnee meadow to prepare for a short haul evacuation.
Intravenous lines were started in order to administer fluids and glucose to the patient. She was packaged and prepared for flight. With the help of several park visitors, the patient was moved a short distance to a short haul site. The subject and one rescue medic were lifted from the area at 11:48 and landed in the Awahnee Meadow after a nine minute flight. The patient was taken to Yosemite Medical Clinic for further evaluation, and later flown in an air medical helicopter to Modesto.
At the time of her transfer to the air ambulance, it appeared likely that the patient was suffering from hyponatremia, a life-threatening condition caused by an abnormally low concentration of sodium in the blood. It can be caused by a significant increase in water consumption--such as by athletes competing in marathons and other high-endurance events, like hiking up Half Dome--without a corresponding intake of replacement electrolytes. During your visit to the park, be sure to drink lots of water, but remember that the body cannot live on water alone. Balance your water intake with snacks and electrolyte replacement drinks. [More information about preventing hyponatremia from MayoClinic.com.]
Source: David Pope and Nate Knight