U.S. Customs and Border Protection Air and Marine Operations El Paso Air Branch UH-60 helicopter crew conducted a joint rescue with El Paso County Search and Rescue of an injured hiker in the Franklin Mountains on July 23.
The CBP El Paso Air Branch was engaged in rescue training when they received a call for assistance from the El Paso County Combined Search and Rescue to retrieve an injured hiker. A UH-60 Blackhawk helicopter was prepared for helicopter suspension rope technique, and three members of the COMSAR team from the El Paso Police Department, who were training with CBP, were transported to Munday’s Gap to reach the injured individual.
At 1:18 p.m., an AMO rescue specialist rappelled out of the helicopter to assist with a basket rescue. With support from the COMSAR team, the patient was loaded into a rescue basket along with the specialist, and both were lifted off together.
“CBP El Paso Air Branch continues to work with and train with our local search and rescue partners for emergencies just like the one we had today,” said CBP El Paso Air Branch director Efren Gonzalez. “These rescue capabilities and the skill sets we have developed through training together continue to save lives in this rugged mountain and desert region of ours.”
The UH-60 aircrew then transported both patient and specialist to a safe landing spot in McKelligon Canyon before moving them into the helicopter for transport to a local hospital for treatment. U.S. Customs and Border Protection describes itself as America’s frontline law enforcement organization responsible for border management on land, air, and sea.