Sonoma, CA, USA - May 21, 2024

In a dramatic rescue operation, the Henry-1 helicopter successfully retrieved a critically injured victim from a vehicle accident on the rugged Sonoma Coast this morning around 8 AM.

The harrowing incident unfolded when Henry-1 was dispatched following a report of a vehicle accident received via the Ford Automatic Crash Notification System. GPS coordinates pinpointed the accident site to the Jewell Gulch/Myers Grade area on Highway 1, north of Jenner. A California State Parks Ranger, responding to the scene, discovered the vehicle approximately 200 feet down a cliff, halted only by a large tree.

Upon arrival, the Henry-1 crew swiftly prepared for a daring 100-ft longline rescue. A Tactical Flight Officer (TFO) and a Paramedic from the Coast Life Support District were flown to the vehicle via the longline, initiating a meticulous search of the area for potential occupants.

Despite initial searches yielding no occupants inside the vehicle, the dedicated rescue team pressed on, scouring the rugged terrain for any signs of life. With assistance from fire personnel, a comprehensive search effort ensued, culminating in a pivotal discovery.

After an exhaustive search, the Henry-1 team located the victim approximately 350 feet down from the wreckage, nestled amidst brush at the bottom of a ravine. The critically injured victim was promptly airlifted to safety and transferred to Sonoma County Fire District helicopter, Sonoma County 1, before being transported to a local trauma hospital.