Mission Aimed To Transport A Patient Suffering From Internal Bleeding From The Village Of Kotlik

The Alaska Air National Guard executed a vital medevac operation in response to a request from the Yukon-Kuskokwim Health Corporation. 

This mission aimed to transport a patient suffering from internal bleeding from the village of Kotlik to a facility capable of providing a higher level of medical care. Civilian air ambulances were unable to carry out this task due to adverse weather conditions in the region. 

The original plan to evacuate the patient to Bethel was hindered by adverse weather, prompting a strategic diversion to McGrath for a safe transload.

The operation involved the 176th Wing search and rescue duty officer dispatching a 210th Rescue Squadron HH-60G Pave Hawk helicopter and a 211th Rescue Squadron HC-130J Combat King fixed-wing aircraft, both equipped with Guardian Angel personnel recovery teams. Due to the urgency of the situation, it was decided to parachute a Guardian Angel team from the faster HC-130 to reach Kotlik swiftly.

Given the urgency, the teams decided to parachute into Kotlik from the faster HC-130, a decision driven by the need to provide immediate medical assistance.

Major James Byrne and Master Sgt. Daniel Lutz, experienced members of the 212th Rescue Squadron, led the jump, carrying vital blood supplies to stabilize the patient.

The jump was executed with precision, despite challenging weather conditions, showcasing the team's proficiency and determination.

The team Maj. James Byrne and Master Sgt. Daniel Lutz, performed the jump despite challenging weather conditions. They carried critical blood supplies to stabilize the patient before evacuation. The patient was eventually evacuated to Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, with the teamwork of the rescue squads and Guardian Angels playing a crucial role in the successful outcome of the mission.

FMI: ak.ng.mil