On April 5, 2025, at approximately 2:00 pm, H-20 was requested by the Amador County Fire Department to assist with a snowmobile accident in a remote area near Mud Lake, located outside Kirkwood, CA. We launched from the Auburn base and arrived within 30 minutes.
Upon arrival in the area, we conducted a brief aerial search and located the injured party on a snowy ridgeline. Due to the terrain and snow conditions, we determined that the safest method of patient extraction was to conduct an off-site landing near the patient’s location.
After landing on the ridge, we made contact with the patient and initiated medical care. The patient was placed in spinal immobilization, IV access was established, and pain management was administered. With the assistance of nearby bystanders, the patient was carefully transferred into the aircraft using a flat litter. The patient was subsequently transported to Sutter Roseville Trauma Center for further evaluation and treatment.
Our Air Operations units play a vital role in patient care and saving lives. Outstanding work by our Office of Air Operations, Valley Air Unit!
