Avalanche
A helicopter crew from the California Highway Patrol’s H-14 unit responded to a call for help from an injured mountain climber stranded at 11,000 feet on the side of Mount Shasta on Friday, May 3.
- Related: [PHOTOS] Mount Shasta, CA, Avalanche Injures 2 Snowboarders, Prompting 11 Hour Ground-Rescue
According to the rescue report, the climber had been overtaken by an avalanche, leaving them injured and unable to descend the mountain alone. The H-14 crew quickly inserted a climbing ranger to the patient’s location using the helicopter’s hoist system.
With the assistance of other climbers who had come to the victim’s aid, the climbing ranger could package the injured person for extraction. The H-14 helicopter hoisted the patient off the mountain and transported them to a waiting ambulance for further medical treatment.
“Climbing Mt. Shasta always comes with risks, even on days with good weather,” the rescue report cautioned. “Climbers must stay vigilant and be prepared for anything.”
The rescue operation highlighted the importance of collaboration and preparedness in mountain emergencies. The CHP crew and the other climbers who responded to the incident were praised for their swift and coordinated efforts to save the injured mountaineer.
“Many thanks to the other climbers that came to the aid of the victim, as well as our allied agencies that assisted in the rescue,” the report stated.
The incident comes less than a week after two snowboarders were swept away by an avalanche on Mount Shasta, resulting in an 11-hour rescue mission.
