United States - September 23, 2024

In a daring operation this afternoon, the California Highway Patrol's helicopter H-30, in coordination with Winters Fire, the Vacaville Fire Protection District, and a San Ramon Valley Fire Helicopter Rescue Technician (HRT), executed a complex water rescue from Putah Creek. The mission involved rescuing six individuals who found themselves stranded on a raft, out of sight from ground rescue teams.

The situation unfolded when the rafters, caught in a precarious spot, were unable to be seen or safely reached by conventional means due to the remote and challenging terrain of the creek. The urgency of the scenario necessitated air support, leading to the deployment of H-30, equipped with the expertise of the San Ramon Valley Fire HRT.

H-30 swiftly located the raft and, showcasing precision and skill, lowered the HRT member to the stranded group. The operation was not only about reaching the individuals but also about ensuring their safe extraction from a location where ground access would have been both time-consuming and hazardous.

The rescue was conducted methodically, with each of the six raft occupants being hoisted individually to safety. Once airborne, they were transferred to the waiting arms of firefighters on the ground, who conducted immediate medical evaluations to ensure no injuries were sustained during the ordeal.