2-Mar-2011 Source: EADS North America
The UH-72A Lakota has once again demonstrated its capabilities in a rescue scenario, with a Lakota mission that saved the life of a man trapped by unseasonably-heavy rainfall in San Bernardino, Calif.
This rescue was completed by an EADS North America-produced UH-72A operating from the U.S. Army’s National Training Center Air Ambulance Detachment at Ft. Irwin, Calif. – which in 2007 became the first operational unit to be equipped with the Light Utility Helicopter.
The man was attempting to cross the normally-dry Mojave River in December when his truck was caught by rushing water caused by heavy rains, then pushed halfway off a causeway. The San Bernardino Emergency Center received his emergency call – made from a mobile telephone – and contacted Ft. Irwin for support.
After being dispatched to the scene, the Lakota was able to lift the man to safety using its externally-mounted rescue hoist – which is standard equipment on UH-72As based at the National Training Center Air Ambulance Detachment.