It isn’t often that a National Guard Assault Helicopter Battalion has to rescue hikers and their pets, but when they do, they’re well-equipped for the job. On May 2, the Tennessee Army National Guard assisted the Nolichuckey Fire Department and local search and rescue (SAR) teams in extracting a lost hiker and his German shepherd from the Sampson Mountain Wilderness in the Cherokee National Forest. The hiker had gotten turned around and was stranded in a ravine overnight.
The victim was discovered by rescue personnel in a hypothermic state, wearing just shorts and a T-shirt. He’d been missing for almost 24 hours, and overnight temperatures had reportedly dipped into the 40s. When rescuers assessed the victim, they concluded that it would be unsafe for him to attempt to extract himself.
So, SAR called in the National Guard to assist. And they answered.
Tennessee National Guard to the Rescue
The SAR team contacted the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency (TEMA) and the Tennessee National Guard around 1:30 p.m. to inform them of the situation. A response was quickly put into action.
“Once TEMA was notified of the possible mission, Tennessee National Guardsmen assigned to Task Force Smokey assembled a five-person flight crew and readied a UH-60 Blackhawk helicopter for flight,” a press release from the Tennessee Department of Military describes. “As soon as the mission was approved, the aircraft departed Joint Base McGhee-Tyson at approximately 2:50 p.m., flying directly to the rescue site.”
The National Guard hoisted the hiker and his dog, Jack, 150 feet up into the helicopter. They used a “specially made harness” to lift them to safety. The hiker was given immediate first aid and intravenous fluids onboard, while the crew took selfies with Jack (pictured above).
An ambulance was already staged nearby, where the Nolichuckey Fire Department had launched its search. Upon being offloaded from the Blackhawk, the hiker and Jack were both assessed by paramedics. Medical personnel determined both to be in stable condition.
It’s a stark reminder to always be prepared when you venture into the wilderness, even for a short day hike. Always make sure your pack is loaded with the 10 Essentials. Let someone know your plans, and have a way to contact help if you need it.
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