On August 6, 2018, Cochise County Sheriff’s Office requested rescue helicopter support from the AZDPS in order to assist with the recovery of a member of Search and Rescue, who was injured on a rugged section of the Chiricahua Mountain range.
An AZDPS helicopter, flew to Rustlers Park within the Chiricahua Mountain Range between Willcox and Douglas. The victim was suffering from a leg injury and was located on a steep mountainside amid dense brush and pine trees at 8,900 feet above sea level. According to authorities, taking the ambient temperature into consideration, the density altitude was established at 12,300 feet above sea level.
A trooper-paramedic was lowered to the ground with the helicopter’s hoist. The victim was then secured into a harness and raised back up to the aircraft. Once aboard, the victim was transported to a local hospital for further treatment.