Rapid Response for Fishing Injury Saves the Day with 2-Leg Medevac

The team at Coast Guard Air Station Kodiak rescued an injured fisherman from a vessel near Dutch Harbor, Alaska on January 24th.

The aircrew, forward-deployed to Cold Bay, responded to a request for a medevac when the Northern Eagle reported a crewman with an injured hand. The team responded with their MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter and quickly hoisted the 47-year-old man from the 310-foot fishing vessel, then brought him back to Cold Bay for a wing-to-wing transfer with LifeMed Alaska personnel. The quick response time not only ensured the patient's ultimate safety, but likely bolstered his chances of a full recovery by retrieving him in such a short time.

The chain was started by watchstanders at the Coast Guard 17th District command center in Juneau, Alaska. They received the initial request for the medevac on the 24th at 05:55, when a report from the vessel’s crew stated a fellow crewman had injured his right hand. The command center relayed the order and began situating a rendezvous point for use between the Northern Eagle and the responding Jayhawk, attempting to utilize an area 30 miles north of Cold Bay to embark the patient. Conditions were not easygoing, with 15-20 mph winds, 6-foot seas, an air temperature of 35 degrees, and a water temperature of 41 degrees.

The Coast Guard Cutter Munro arrived on scene to provide assistance if needed, providing some comforting peace of mind should the transfer see some bumps along the way. Thankfully, the patient was brought aboard without issue, reported to be in a stable condition throughout his journey back to Anchorage. The combination of the Coast Guard's rapid response and his speedy transport back to higher level facilities at Anchorage hopefully improved the chances of the patient's return to full duty, often a deciding factor in future dexterity and mobility for delicate hand injuries. In any case, the transfer was safer than simply speeding back to port overwater. 

“I’m glad our aircrew was able to respond quickly and safely hoist the injured man,” said Lt. Cody Harris, Air Station Kodiak MH-60 pilot. “The quick response from the Munro was reassuring, to know that we had multiple Coast Guard assets on scene if needed.”

FMI: www.uscg.mil