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H-40 And SAR Perform High Angle Rescue In Yosemite

YOSEMITE — Emergency rescue operations in Yosemite National Park were enabled by CHP Central Division Air Operations when a stranded climber and his partner required immediate assistance.

On Saturday, Oct. 27, CHP helicopter H-40 was requested by park officials to assist with an injured rock climber on Mount Watkins. Colorado resident Vincent Worth, 39, had slipped and fallen approximately 50-feet before his safety rope caught him. During the fall he suffered a serious extremity injury and was unable to ascend or rappel from the rock face.

The rescue team consisted of Yosemite SAR Helicopter Rescue Technician Jack Hoeflich, CHP Pilot Officer Scott Rodda, and CHP Flight Officer/Paramedic Mike Crain.

H-40 was unable to hover directly over the victim due to the sheer vertical angle of the rock face and lack of main rotor clearance. With approximately 20-feet of rotor clearance from the granite face of Mount Watkins, the team performed a safe, successful rescue. No further information is available at this time.

The CHP Air Operations trains regularly with Yosemite SAR in high angle rescue and is well prepared for difficult missions in this challenging environment.

Watch the video:

H-40 High Angle Rescue in Yosemite National Park

On October 27, 2018, H-40 was requested by Yosemite National Park to assist with an injured rock climber on Mount Watkins. The climber, 39 year old Vincent Worth from Colorado, slipped and fell approximately 50’ before his safety rope caught him. During the fall he suffered a serious extremity injury and was unable to ascend or repel from the rock face. The rescue team consisted of Yosemite SAR Helicopter Rescue Technician Jack Hoeflich, CHP Pilot Officer Scott Rodda, and CHP Flight Officer/Paramedic Mike Crain. H-40 was unable to hover directly over the victim due to the sheer vertical angle of the rock face and lack of main rotor clearance. With approximately 20 feet of rotor clearance from the granite face of Mount Watkins, the team performed a safe, successful rescue. The CHP Air Operations trains regularly with Yosemite SAR in high angle rescue and is well prepared for difficult missions in this challenging environment.

Posted by CHP – Central Division Air Operations on Thursday, November 1, 2018

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