Crestone Needle | Fourteener Hoist Rescue | Making Dangerous Things Look Easy | Blackhawks in Action

[@warpig79]

How much was the bill on this rescue?

[@SoldierStories1860]

The overall cost to the COARNG was zero dollars. The reason for this was twofold: 1) the rescue techs are %100 volunteers and 2) because rescue missions are done in conjunction with training funds. In other words, we are allotted a certain amount of money annually to fly so our pilots can maintain a high level of readiness. In the case of rescue missions, this works to our benefit because there are no better training scenarios than real world missions.

[@nonethelessfirst8519]

​@SoldierStories1860 so other words we paid for it. Us.

[@Tubesmaney]

@@nonethelessfirst8519Exactly!

[@themeatpopsicle]

@@nonethelessfirst8519 the fraction of a cent of your own personal tax dollars that went into this was money well-spent to both save a life and maintain readiness of the operators. Nobody bats an eyelash when the PJs in Alaska go fishing people out of the wilderness all the time.

[@ThetruthYuhide]

​@themeatpopsicle dont bother with anyone who feels dollars make more scence than human life. They dont even talk to there disgusting so called representatives to this standard. Yet have the audacity to talk to and judge a rescue team. 🙄 choose😊 your battles in life. This is 😈

[@TheChip4]

“If you’re going to do really dangerous things, you have to be really good at doing them.” Love it

[@SoldierStories1860]

My favorite quote too!

[@herngarbarino7484]

@@TheChip4 that’s basically what they told us in the military.

[@douglassmith2946]

My family was rescued by these guys in August of 2018. They have got to be the best in the world. So grateful for Vail Mountain Rescue. Truly life saving, extremely skilled and selfless people!!!!!! They literally save my daughter's life. She would not have survived another 24 hours and she is the mother of 3. Helicopter rescue.

[@Jdam5]

All rescue group are good at what they do glad everyone is safe from these hero's.

[@Sepsis_Fi_Marine]

Stop being dumb asses and them and my buddies wouldn't have to help you. Prior Marine Corps Crash Fire Rescue personnel. Your stupidity makes armed forces jump into action without consequence.

[@thegamingwarlord6073]

This is a downright beautiful documentary that showcases the vulnerable human element behind missions like this that most people never get to see. The average person only gets a glimpse of what missions like these are like through watered-down, glamoured-up news reports that they see on TV. Hats off to this SAR team for successfully carrying out such a difficult mission, and to CPT Henderson for putting this documentary together.

[@SoldierStories1860]

Thank you!

[@ihavenoideawhatimdoing6124]

When my dad and I climbed the needle we ran into a group that had spent the night on the mountain after climbing the arette. They didn't need rescue, they just knew it would take a long time and brought a lightweight tent with them. The area they camped was, like where the rescue happened, a dinner table sized ledge with 1000ft drop on both sides. Something to know about the rock on the Crestones is that its a double edged sword. The rock is extremely solid and stable, the best climbing rock I've ever seen in my life. It also doesn't have many cracks on it making gear placement impossible in most places. Also these guys were so lucky that they had cell service to call for rescue, most of these mountains don't.

[@Jordan__Sloan]

Somebody took a tent up the needle!!???

[@Road_Runner2540]

No kidding. I don’t have cell service in the town of Crestone.

[@georgesheffield1580]

Tied in overnight due to wind roster in Nov. Wind stopped finished the Needle and the traverse to the peak then to Kit Carson and down to the town of Crestone for beer .

[@bprLogos]

The climbers in this video were complete gumbies. Sure one was a "climbing guide" and the other a "strong sport climber". Lol. These clowns were rescued while they had a full rack and no real injuries other than being scared, some bruises, and a hurt ego. They literally could have just rapped down and dumped their rack and at least would have walked away with a story to tell and a shred of dignity. Self rescue should always be the priority. By all means, call in the real pros to come rescue you when you are broken, lost, and going to die.

[@snosqrl]

As both a climber and a Helicopter pilot... I love this on SO MANY levels! Well done to ALL involved!

[@pennypackmtb2542]

As a former Army Medic and Adventurer I hear you.

[@keeneyeful]

WOW, epic rescue! A display of absolute professionalism between NG & Volunteer SAR working together, getting two guys in an unfortunate situation home safe, from a really bad place! Talk about service before self...

[@Ryanmathewsc]

So easy to take for granted how much goes into a rescue operation. Wonderful glimpse into that world.

[@sunnybeach4837]

I have the highest respect for these men and rescue operators

[@drewzanoff6615]

Just one of the many amazing rescues that the Colorado Army National Guard flight crews preform that are based on Buckley and up at HAATS on Eagle Airport.

[@lieslh00]

Dang I watched eight minutes before I realized I was totally sucked in 😂 great story telling, it communicated the drama and fear of their experience and I appreciated the inclusion of climbing vocab explanations

[@devonsavino3921]

I was just browsing youtube when this video comes up and I give it a click. I remember climbing the standard hiking route back a few years ago, and it was quite challenging. I also remember during that climb there was a helicopter rescue going on. I see the date and rush to my photos. I have photos and video of the rescue happening from about on the 19th of September, 2020. Never knew what happened to the climber. 4 years later and its great to hear everyone made it out safe!

[@donuttyme]

Incredible! Amazing what these aircrews and rescue teams can do! Thanks Colorado Army National Guard!

[@sjleflar]

Stellar production! Thank you for sharing our story!

[@Smirn]

An incredible production from Remington Henderson. Well done! Thank you for sharing our story!

[@remingtonhenderson6742]

Thank you, sir!

[@archascents5157]

@@remingtonhenderson6742 excellent production if you put this together!

[@remingtonhenderson6742]

@@archascents5157 I did, thank you!

[@NathanJones-sf5js]

The description of their rescue plan around 16 minutes in is some of the most fascinating stuff I’ve learned in a while. The amount of nimble intelligence it takes to pull something like this off is astonishing.

[@SwimTillIDie]

What an amazing story. Kudos to those rescue techs and the national guard!

[@AlexWitkowicz]

Amazing footage here, and really interesting to see how this type of rescue happens. I’ve attempted Crestone Needle twice in the past few years, that mountain is the real deal!

[@ronaldbryant7994]

Must watch, captures the details that our crews routinely go though to make complicated things look easy, so proud of the men and women who put the hours in every day to safely execute life changing complex and dangerous things!

[@yayinternets]

Wow, this just hit my KZbin algorithm and holy crap, these men are absolute hero’s and role models. I am beyond impressed! Really great storytelling/video production too! I would have never guessed it was done in house. Amazing video all around!

[@greasyweezel9540]

very nice production - showing what actually happened -

[@mmedved5567]

Absolutely the best rescue video I've ever seen. Great details and commentary. 👍👍👍

[@donaldmorrill1636]

I did all my peak-bagging before cell phones and the internet were invented. Thank God I never needed a rescue. Awesome video! I could feel my hands sweating just watching.

[@johnreyn19]

Great work to all involved! The pilots are total pros. The fact thay they do these missions as 'training' is incredible.

[@xsteevox]

I’m glad KZbin put this in my algo. Thanks to SAR and all involved for all they do!

[@pennypackmtb2542]

There is no greater cause then to rescue those in danger. These men are every bit of the meaning of "HERO". Their call to rescue, is their battle field. I am a former Army Medic, and these men's call to duty, far exceeded mine.

[@robertmoldovan5931]

I admire anyone who risk their life for another. This was an amazing rescue and the bravery these men have is amazing to me. Great job and glad everything went as so expertly planned during the rescue.

[@brianconroy3311]

Captivating and inspiring story. Thanks for sharing.

[@SoldierStories1860]

Our pleasure!

[@coloradomark2159]

This rescue blows me away. I sure don't know what better is. this rescue was a solid 10.

[@rya7642]

badass production. God bless rescue teams. Professionals in the best sense possible

[@Kefoo_]

-- *_Nice work! Thank you Soldier Stories & CHRT!_*

[@kimb2582]

These guys are absolutely incredible. Risking their own lives because of others poor decisions. All these rescuers easily could have died. And yet, they went in there to save the lives of two people they don't know.

[@mmedved5567]

You don't know much about climbing or rescue. People who do SAR voluntarily do it and love what they do. They train constantly for this and use resources when training and put themselves on the line. As far as being ready for anything, actual rescues are the best training. And regarding climbers, the vast majority of rescues in the US are of hikers and tourists. Maybe they should be banned?

[@TS-mo6pn]

@@mmedved5567 why the put-down? Almost every time there is a situation requiring rescue, there are a series of mistakes and bad decisions leading up to the event. In this case, there were many poor decisions and opportunities to pull it back before getting SAR involved, but the climbers let their egos get in the way. Pointing that out does not indicate a lack of knowledge.

[@aroxchannel]

That was great. Climbing Ellingwood Arete was one of the best days of my life, but I can understand how it would be easy to get off route. The upper portion of the route is very complex.

[@thisisgettingold]

Just in terms of route finding?

[@stephenkittle6586]

We are so LUCKY to have SICK ASS PILOTS who willing to help when needed !!

[@billdone3162]

I had literal chills multiple times through this! Thanks for sharing!

[@SoldierStories1860]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@davidnagel2715]

So proud of the efforts of our COARNG Aviation family! The courage, dedication to service, and willingness of our Troops and community partners (Alpine Rescue Team) to be there for our fellow citizens in distress is inspiring. Great documentary!

[@BVonBuescher]

These pilots are rock stars. Keeping that Blackhawk steady at 14k in not easy at all!

[@Mrwhomeyou]

Not to shit on the guy but if you can climb back up to your highpoint, your climbing partner was right, should've rappel down instead of risking the rescuer.

[@thisisgettingold]

Yeah no offense to bro but he definitely gave off a certain type of, I would not climb with him, energy.

[@johanballin6601]

Couldn’t agree more. Ego eats brain! Or as Paul Petzoldt famously said “There are old climbers and there are bold climbers, but there are no old bold climbers.”

[@maxbone2401]

Idk maybe he was completely rattled and going off adrenaline to get back up. If your heads completely gone after a big adrenaline dump maybe rappelling isn’t the safest especially if you’re going to be sparse on gear and needing to leave some to get down. Only he’ll know I suppose what was going on in his head, everyone lived and it didn’t seem too dangerous a rescue so I say fair play. Sometimes it’s worse not opting for the rescue when you’re in a safe secure place and risking getting down when you might not be able to and needing rescued at a worse time/place

[@davidmickles5012]

First thing I learned in my 40 years of climbing was how to bail off a climb AND self rescue skills. These guys could have rapped off the climb or even got back on route but they chose the 3rd option. I'm not blaming, just explaining

[@maxbone2401]

First thing I learned too, and I’ve done plenty of gnarly trad multi pitch where I’ve had to do either when out my depth. Never needed rescued but been a first responder to a death and had to call it in. Climbing is physical as well as mental who knows how he felt after a 30ft whipper, they all lived and might not have had they tried anything different when injured/in the wrong headspace. No one in their right mindset would chose a night on the ledge of a 14”er if they weren’t already desperate. Right call still IMO

[@TurdFerguson456]

This is... G O L D !!! With the music and attention to detail. Good stuff As far as the rescue though, and I don't know every detail, but seems like that was a waste of resources. Could they not repel? What am I missing? Must be a lot

[@apachewhiteone]

Thank you CHRT and Colorado Army National Guard...just outstanding professionals!

[@davidschmidt7829]

Top shelf coverage, great story! Well done!!!

[@SoldierStories1860]

Thank you kindly!

[@renatasmith4463]

Thanking God for the entire SAR team & their amazing skills! SAR Motto: So that others may live!

[@rothberg4334]

Great rescue mission. I’m glad they were able to get them off the needle despite all the complications from the aircraft.

[@MountainHobbler]

This was very well put together.

[@michaeltouchette8156]

we attempted this route back in summer of 97' ended up climbing Humboldt Peak across the valley. Beautiful valley.........

[@Overlycomplicatedswede]

If I could describe the communication and incredible teamwork by the guards and the rescue team would be OUTSTANDING job. Respect from Sweden

[@ut45scco31]

Great story, and awesome rescue. Nice work to the air crew and the rescue techs.

[@HyperSarcasticAvocado]

What an inspiring and well-told story. Makes me want to push myself to do some form of volunteer search and resuce.

[@Blue-pb7kz]

This is fascinating. I remember that when I was a teenager, I was really into scuba diving, and found forums where people did accident analyses of diving incidents. I found those very informative when handled well, and it was interesting to learn about possible gear failures, how to respond to those, how accident happen in a chain of events, how different preparation, lack of physical preparation, or gear, or communication, or overlooked environmental conditions, or even how psychological factors can make a difference in outcomes. How decision making can be impaired in emergency situations, and how important it is therefore to think and plan for them ahead of time, so you already know what to do. Now I backpack a lot and I'm getting into climbing. I'm surprised at how few ressources I see like that - or maybe I'm not looking in the right place? But this documentary is very informative! Both for learning about how rescues work, but also from what lessons can be gleaned from the events. Thanks!

[@Slippindisc]

The army has tons of that kind of data on accidents and whatnot. Idk how you’d go about getting it but I doubt if you couldn’t get most of it

[@myraramirez3625]

I watched this video with my kids and we were all mesmerized with the amazing work, dedication, and sacrifice that all members have to do in order to continue to save lives! Thank you!

[@lorainehawkins9772]

I thank God for people like you, every day! You are incredible!!

[@charliebeatty4093]

Great video, CPT Henderson! Excellent job showing our Soldiers in action!

[@davidhamilton1446]

Interesting insight into not just this rescue but the bigger view of search and rescue operations. Thank you for the video and production. Dale's perspective was great. The pink tricam! Shredded space blanket, lol. But to see how much is put on the line for a questionable rescue!

[@ThinkingDigital_01]

Loved this. Wondering though what’s scarier, getting rescued off a mountain or getting the bill in the mail.

[@wcclyne]

Great story telling in this video, bravo Colorado National Guard!!

[@jennyc1846]

Amazing!! Scary as hell just for me listening to the story, I thought they were going to say...and then this happened!! But nothing happen which was great. 2 climbers recued by some amazing people.. not exactly nothing but nobody got hurt, the helicopter didn't run out of fuel etc etc.. routine op..yeh right!! well done everyone.. now my heart can settle down. I'm an old lady after all...

[@larsonb1012]

Thanks for sharing this story! So inspiring and so incredible all the training and work that goes into pulling one of these rescues off. Breathtaking the terrain they did this in! SO grateful this was a safe and successful rescue!

[@anhton6869]

Great video! Thank you for creating and sharing this story!

[@nelsonbrandt7847]

Outstanding video and SAR mission.

[@katiedeclet4012]

So impressive to get a better understanding of how skilled are Colorado Army National Guard pilots are! Such an honor to serve alongside them.

[@TheRescueInstitute]

Great Story and Great Rescue. I love the Needle and Camping at the alpine Lake. 5 amazing 14'ers in one heavenly location. How do you find New Rescue Operators?

[@SamMartinez65]

Heroes in action!!! Well done sirs.

[@hamsterbob178]

Incredible feats matched with excellent cinematography!

[@quintus1903]

Great message on the brave things they do on a regular basis.

[@KCityFF]

Great video. It’s always great to see inside the lives of our soldiers. CPT Henderson is doing a great job with all of these video. Like a share please you won’t regret it.

[@donaldhoffmann2576]

Great video work capturing an amazing story. This video shows all the critical links and relationships that go into a rescue operation and the complexity of making it all come together with limited time to plan and execute. Make sure you watch!

[@MtHoodMikeZ]

That is crazy! Well done, y’all!

[@whistlepig]

What a story. I'm so grateful for the SAR folks who dedicate themselves to helping others. Real heroes.

[@mmcleod111]

Wow. Amazing! Well done Rescuers, Helicopter Pilots!

[@kendrahenderson4107]

Humbling to think of the great work they do!

[@landonleathers5936]

All that training down to one epic moment 🤘🤘

[@_ShaDynasty]

Such a badass job.

[@russellrehak]

Holy F that's cool. I helped out with a chopper rescue on Princeton. Would love to be part of a chopper crew. Nice work boys!

[@musubipanda]

Wow this is truly amazing! Thank you for sharing this breathtaking story!

[@ColtonBlumhagen]

Someone like Mr dale atkins is absolutely the face you’d want too see when being rescued.

[@stewartj3407]

I got a feeling the other guy was a big pissed he wanted to call for a rescue.

[@ronaldcrist6348]

I would be mad at him for making me spend the night there. He wasn’t even injured just shook up. Didn’t sound like anything was broken.

[@bajamedic]

Absolutely phenomenal job by everyone.

[@CapnJackBkup]

Absolutely wonderful and these dedicated people putting their lives on the line for those in need. I am wondering how much this costs and who pays for it. Are the rescued charged later? Thanks to these dedicated people!

[@remingtonhenderson6742]

There's another comment on here that I wrote in a bit more detail on the subject, but essentially, no they are not charged later. I can only speak for Colorado though. It might be a different story in other states in the U.S.

[@michael27221]

These rescue guys are studs

[@ColtonBlumhagen]

Are the mountaineers rescuers volunteers? If so that is incredible that they would take one much risk. Of course thanks to the national guard members as well taking on as much risk.

[@SoldierStories1860]

Yes, the rescue techs are all volunteers. You can learn more about them here: www.chrtavn.org/about

[@tylorsoll6033]

Legends, absolute legends.

[@greenlenny3926]

Climbers should always be prepared to stay the night. We don’t need to endanger SAR even more and have them use night vision goggles unless the climber is about to die. Thank you cheers -G Lenny from Denver

[@NathanJones-sf5js]

Hell I bring stuff for an overnighter even on long day hikes!

[@Jwynne_]

Living in the ditch yosar is a class above all

[@davidgreenwood6029]

It's crazy that some of our national guard guys are like special forces level pilot skill. I would have loved a brief summary of pilot resumes. How well the pilot placed the rescue tech when he lowered him was just freaking perfect.

[@SoldierStories1860]

Actually, here in Colorado, we have the 5/19th Special Forces Group and our pilots regularly train with them. One of our most famous pilots, CW5 David Carter, was killed in action on Extortion 17 -- the deadliest helicopter crash in the history of U.S. Special Operations. The Colorado Army National Guard also has the High-altitude ARNG Aviation Training Site (HAATS) in Gypsum, CO which specializes in high-altitude flights. There's another video on this channel that talks about them and about how we're currently training NASA astronauts at that facility.

[@scottoliver-x9j]

...you rock climbers sometime bring out the most caring and daring. gratefull you must be to finally get off the small high space. dl

[@altrujillo3566]

You guys are amazing!

[@gloriahenderson4325]

Very interesting and well told!!

[@billyhanley7390]

Dale Atkins is my hero!

[@stevefox6864]

Well done guys !! 👍

[@DH-kl3ob]

way to go guys!

[@cameronstoneadams1183]

Sick Hoist. Brief the plan. Run the mission.

[@huntergta307]

Where do I apply to do this type of helicopter rescue work? I live in denver and have been thinking about the national gaurd but specifically what would get me and my dog in the mountains the most? (I don't mind hanging from a helicopter in that beautiful basin) as long as I can have a place for me and my pup with easy access to the mountains. (Denver traffic sucks) id be down! (Also that dude hanging from the helicopter dude your a legend!)

[@SoldierStories1860]

Hi! You can call or email us at the Colorado National Guard and we can talk to you more about the process on our end ([e-mail] or 720-250-1058). As for the rescue teams… we work with four teams in particular on the CHRT, but there are several more teams that focus more on ground search and rescue operations. Generally, each one has a website with information on applying/ interviews. I would recommend googling around to find the one closest to you and then contact them through their website.

[@Kboske]

Awesome rescue 👏

[@rcarrollmassage]

Glad to know that this helicopter unit is far more professional nowadays.

[@theclassicliberal1915]

Incredible work and incredible story. I’m just an observer watching this on KZbin but I feel like the harness should be completely detached from the hoist while it’s being put on to the guy getting rescued in the event the helicopter has any kind of issues. If the helicopter loses a little bit of stability & the guy is attached to the hoist but the harness is completely attached, he gets thrown off the mountain. I notice in other rescue videos, the harness isn’t attached/latched to the hoist until it’s completely secure & double checked by the rescuer, then they attach the hook on the hoist. Again, I know nothing about this other than watching on KZbin. I just put myself in the shoes of the guy being rescued. Great job by the rescue team.

[@frankblangeard8865]

Lesson from this is don't do something very dangerous with someone you just met on the internet.

[@TS-mo6pn]

Right. But somehow, if you point out that the rescued individuals were in over their heads, put other people's lives at risk, and really should have known better, well, you're just an a-hole.

[@SticksAandstonesBozo]

I mean when you meet the guy …. You would think you would get why maybe he doesn’t have a partner. Goes up totally unprepared to get stuck over night , takes the wrong route , panics on a fall with no injuries , and instantly wants to call rescue. First off I’d never be in that situation. But if I was I would be furious. But I don’t get how you meet him and can’t see …. He’s …. Shall we say …. Clearly on the spectrum.

[@SticksAandstonesBozo]

@@TS-mo6pnit doesn’t even need to be said. The best way to look at it is what I always say …. 99.9% of people have no business doing the thing they are doing because the second something goes even slightly wrong they just panic. Keep that front of mind and life makes way more sense.

[@TS-mo6pn]

@@SticksAandstonesBozo Well, I say it does need to be said. Somewhere out there is somebody thinking about doing the same thing these guys did. Maybe if someone talks some sense into them, they will be prepared and not get into the same situation.

[@CoreyMurphyMusic]

Great film

[@TheodoreLove]

underrated documentary not even 1k subs what’s going on here

[@SoldierStories1860]

Feel free to spread the word! I think the biggest problem is manning. It’s difficult to get more content out of this caliber as I’m working more-or-less as a one-man crew. The KZbin algorithm rewards consistent and regular posts which I simply can’t support by myself.

[@steveilg6134]

Gotta admit I’m conflicted. Yea,I’m 61 and from an era where we simply knew we had to self-rescue or die. No options available. Somewhat infamously, i fell 60’ off the Diamond (Longs Peak) during an attempted winter ascent and had a paralyzed spine, forced bivi in a winter storm and a several mile crawl out. I have raised my now 16 year-old daughter as a mountain athlete in the mold of my era. Seems like the more proficient and kickass modern rescues become, a psychological paradigm has shifted creating a new and ever growing demographic of less experienced outdoor/mountain “athletes” that just go for projects for which they may not be ready. They seem eased by the growing fact that, well? We can always call for a rescue. 🤷🏽‍♂🙏🏾💯🕉

[@alexsetterington3142]

That applies to everything. The better it all gets the people get lazier/less prepared. No choice but rely on self makes good people. Any luxury not good for character long term.

[@stephenschultz9901]

I'm curious how the climbers contacted SAR considering there isn't any cell reception. Can someone shed some light for me?

[@SoldierStories1860]

There's no reception at the base of the mountain, but as you get higher you get better line of sight to cell towers.