Coast Guard rescues injured hiker from North Sister lava field

ASTORIA, Ore. (KTVZ) — A U.S. Coast Guard aircrew evacuated an injured hiker from a lava field near North Sister in the Three Sisters Wilderness on Saturday, Sept. 5. The aerial extraction was required after ground crews reached the victim, but could not transport him out due to hazardous terrain.

Watchstanders at the Coast Guard Northwest District command center received notification of the incident at approximately 4 p.m. from the Oregon Emergency Operations Center. The male hiker had sustained injuries to his knee and wrist.

Ground search and rescue crews, including EMTs, reached the hiker to provide initial medical treatment and stabilization. However, steep terrain and loose rocks prevented the ropes team from hiking the patient out or creating secure anchors for a rope rescue.

An MH-65 Dolphin helicopter aircrew from Coast Guard Air Station North Bend arrived at the scene at approximately 6 p.m. Facing deteriorating weather conditions, the crew hoisted the hiker from the location at approximately 7 p.m.

Following the air evacuation, the crew flew the hiker to Eugene Airport. Local emergency medical personnel met the aircraft at the airport and transported the patient to Riverbend Hospital.

Lt. Cmdr. Brandon Books serves as a search and rescue pilot at Air Station North Bend. Books praised the coordination between the flight crew and ground teams during the operation.

“Tough mountain hoists are always a big challenge, but our helicopter crew leaned on their everyday practice to stay calm and focused,” Books said. “That preparation, along with great help from our partner agencies on the ground, made it possible to lift the hiker out safely and get him the medical help he needed.”