Police Helicopter Rescue From Remote Lake

In early August 2016 a group of six set off from Big Heart Lake in the Cascades toward Azure Lake in North Cascades National Park. Azure Lake is a pristine, 89-acre body of water just under one mile east of McMillan Spire in a remote location in the park, well off of any maintained trails.
The group's plan took them on a route where they expected to not encounter other human beings for three days. Things were going well when their plans were suddenly interrupted by a fall. An 11-year-old member of their group had injured his knee on a sharp-edged granite boulder, slicing open a wound 1.5" across, 1/2" wide and 1/4" deep. The group tended to the injury and managed to stop the bleeding, but found that any walking would cause blood to gush through the bandages they had applied. Walking was out of the question.
Members of the group took turns carrying Joe, the 11-year-old, the roughly quarter-mile remaining to Azure Lake, where they set up camp. Using a Delorme InReach "SEND" ("Satellite Emergency Notification Device"), a member of the group communicated with search and rescue personnel, discussing options. The device works by pairing with a cell phone, which is used to send and receive text messages via satellite.
It was clear that carrying Joe out wasn't going to work, as they were miles from any road. Eventually, the group received word that an SAR EMT would be sent out to them the next morning to evaluate Joe in person.
That EMT began hiking out to the group at 2:30 AM, and reached their campsite about 7.5 hours later. On arrival, the EMT - Karl - sat down with Joe, evaluated him, confirmed that Joe would not be walking out, and began to plan.
Three options were on the table:
1. Carry him out - an operation that Karl estimated would take at least 75 people, twenty of whom had already started hiking out toward them in the event that became necessary.
2. Helicopter evacuation, with Joe being hoisted up to the Huey
3. The same helicopter ride, with the chopper landing.
The video can take it from here.
Joe was transported to an area hospital where he received stitches for his knee injury.
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[@MrDrManPerson]

I like the rescuer posing when he landed. I know it's a signal but it looks like a kid claiming victory.

[@HexJK]

"TAAADAAAAA" Was the first thing that popped in my head when he did that lmao

[@tapio83]

I think it's more like signal "I'm unhooked" and you keep the rope as far to the side of you as you can so folks upstairs see that it's not connected and can bring it up.

[@7JerkinGio7]

He looked like the par par guys from dragon ball z lol

[@Juli-xb1fq]

Haha i thought the same

[@jamesdelornhowlandjr.6516]

I agree with you.

[@esver1883]

Shoutout to the lone EMT who hiked 7.5 hours by himself.

[@123s453e56a6l]

hope he was armed to the teeth and had a transponder this is some missing 411 country

[@alekazattic6622]

I was a W-EMT in Colorado for a few years, and I did a lot of higher elevation evacs in the middle of the night. It's actually rather pleasant hiking under the stars, the biggest threat is the colder temperatures which are easily prepped for. I was never armed on the job, unless you count my bowie knife. You're more likely to come across predators during the daylight.

[@123s453e56a6l]

@@alekazattic6622 how hard are those jobs to get I still have an AEMT certification but all I can ever find are Ambulance positions on the east coast

[@alekazattic6622]

@@123s453e56a6l Depends, the greater skill set you have, the more likely you are to get the job. Since you are already licensed, my advice would be to do a 90 day Wilderness intensive course. They teach backcountry evacuation and wilderness medicine and they're usually taught out west. Any experience with volunteer search and rescue is a good asset too

[@airborne101st45]

7.5 hr hike in the middle of the night, dude's a legit badass.

[@BeezerMN]

As a former combat medic in the Army that was about as smooth as it gets. The unsung hero there is the helicopter pilot. They never get the credit they deserve.

[@UrbanNoyade]

Especially because of how difficult it is to hover a helicopter for that long, not just the Huey but all helos.

[@Feintgames]

I was impressed that they called off the initial hoist so the pilot could get a better angle against the wind. I've never seen that before but was happy to see it. You know around there with the intermittent trees and mountains and the lake, the wind must be all over the place.

[@harrisonsmith4625]

Not for wind you can tell by the water it's calm, it looks more to me like he was picking a better escape route, as they go from pointing into rising terrain to pointing towards an open lake

[@johndoee12345]

Or the SAR EMT Karl who hiked in 8 hours alone at 230 am

[@BeezerMN]

@Lee S I didn't know I disparaged all by complimenting one. If someone does a good job you give credit. I gave credit to multiple pilots I worked with. Nothing wrong with it. Not sure when giving a compliment became a negative really.

[@RNG-999]

Nothing but respect for the men and women who risk their own lives to save others.

[@ryandoe11]

Their not risking their lives.. but yeah they are badass

[@derxer614]

@@ryandoe11 Yes they are, they're flying a helicopter in mountainous terrain, that itself is a great risk only minimized by their training and experience

[@heyokawanderer3185]

Better imo to rescue people, save lives, and defend our country. Rather than invading, killing, and pillaging others. Going National Gaurd!

[@ChrisGugliuzza]

it's their job lol

[@toussc]

Tell that to every police officer out there

[@216trixie]

That EMT walked in there, alone at 2:30 a.m.!!! Dark and dangerous. 7 hours of hiking through the night. BADASS!! Stuff like this makes my throat feel lumpy.

[@cotyvegh5865]

That guy is the true hero here! Bet the ride out was worth it tho!!

[@goodsamaritan4521]

EMT with some issues I go for a hike for the sun rise, dark and dangerous might just describe the EMT's personality and a little stupid

[@216trixie]

@@goodsamaritan4521 What is wrong with you? He's a real man.

[@goodsamaritan4521]

@@216trixie if you go into the forest at 2am and dont think your going to get lost then obviously your head isn't in the right place

[@216trixie]

@@goodsamaritan4521 You are a troll. He went into the forest, knowing he would not get lost, then didn't get lost. Helped save the boy. What the fuck is wrong with you.

[@mirvha714]

When I was 15, a girl on my ski racing team found herself on the wrong side of quite a sizable mountain here in Canada. 3 of us boys with our gigantic brains decided to try and bring her back, which resulted in all 4 of us stuck in the evening on a side of the mountain that couldn't safely be traversed in ski boots. When rescue came, Dave asked us our names and ages, and used that info to give us callsigns as if we were joining the team. My name is Steven and I was 15, so I ended being Sierra15 and so on. He introduced himself as Alpha11 and because of his approach, our fear was non-existent and we were confident and diligent in following his instructions. They efficiently hoisted us from a small 10 ft. patch just above a large cliff surrounded by pine trees within 15 minutes of their arrival. People that do this work are a special breed. Respect and god speed brothers.

[@missblackwood]

Those guys are heroes!!! And that place is gorgeous 😍

[@tamiflo]

I live in Washington and the Northern Cascades are spectacular!! Great job from the rescue team and Karl the EMT for hiking in over 7.5 hours in the middle of the night to make sure this young man okay...

[@richardphysician5640]

@@tamiflo, yeah, no kidding 'spectacular'. Three times the view nearly took my breath away.

[@profd65]

Washington State. The most beautiful state in the union.

[@Joshua-xh6bm]

I greatly enjoy these. I know this is primarily a police channel about police things, but honestly too much watching people ruin their lives and get arrested (sometimes unfairly) can really wear you down. But watching people's lives be saved like this is wholesome and pure and uplifting.

[@dakrom7599]

Rarely unfairly*

[@Joshua-xh6bm]

@@dakrom7599 Well true, but it's those moments that stick with you in the long run. And my point still stands. Unfairly or no, it can grow tiresome. Doesn't hurt to mix these sorts of situations in there once in a while, it's a nice mixup from the usual.

[@RealWorldPolice]

These are the cops, too.

[@dakrom7599]

Joshua Riesenbeck if you think about how many hundreds of thousands of contacts happen each month and how many of those turn bad, you’d rethink your statement.

[@SevEndV]

@@RealWorldPolice King County Sheriff's finest doing an amazing job as always. Love the videos you post of them cause cops aren't just out patrolling and responding to calls they're doing awesome things like this amazing rescue.

[@cody_janssen831]

What if this kid faked all this just to tell the EMTs his name was Joe Mama

[@iXRelaxx666lemao]

Funniest comment i've read all week lmao!

[@somethingwithbungalows]

7:08 After he said his name was Joe, I was expecting the guy to say “Joe Mama?” back to him lol.

[@ajwiisonwiison1591]

kfrebsidererifreiersiergrebsifreiherireferiwfrebiweferifrewiferfeiefwerer 2

[@littleyanky27]

👁_👁

[@richardfrancis5406]

Like that!!

[@lowprofile2412]

Man, this brought memories of me being rescued seven miles of the coast of Key West after a diving accident in 2005. I owe my life to the guys (in the Coast Guard).

[@barbaraegan9042]

These heroes cannot be thanked enough or paid enough. My prayers go to you and your families.

[@timbrady6473]

The rescuers movements are like a machine, even with gloves on .

[@tapio83]

​@Aniquin Yea this was an easy day-job. They do this shit in bad weather, night time also and all rescued were calm and cool and no first aid war required. Walk in a park.

[@divorex4285]

EMT: What's your name? Joe: *I'm about to end this whole man's career*

[@jacksmith1957]

Ohh mann

[@wakeboardingstudio]

I love how professional this rescue is. At no point did i feel like the crew was in over their heads, they knew exactly what to do and how to do it.

[@elizabethp7511]

Is no one talking about how calm the kid is?? Damn- when I was 11, if I smashed my knee open and a helicopter had to hoist me up and alone, and first, to get help- I would be bawling! Hahaha. Kudos to the kid for being so brave!!

[@clarissa8477]

For real! It happened so fast too. I thought maybe the rescuer was gonna go up with him but nope, kid just launched into the air 😆

[@bobkd5fjd823]

It would have been really great if the rescuer had told the boy “you now qualify for the Reverse Rappelling Eagle Merit Badge”. That would have been cool and put the boy at real ease and given him a chuckle. Great job!!!

[@mybiscu1t466]

Thank you for saving him and thank you for your service🙏

[@fop6033]

Theres a moment that kid will never forget!

[@lisaavery2375]

Holy CRAP!! What amazing teamwork!! These guys run like a well-oiled machine! It’s incredible to watch!!!

[@txgt4463]

I'm getting flashbacks! I'm Ex-Navy SAR Swimmer. Great job!

[@rad5207]

@@SWC44 Thank YOU for paying your taxes.

[@RealWorldPolice]

Fun! I don’t know if you’ve seen, but there are a good number of SAR videos on the channel.

[@txgt4463]

@@RealWorldPolice I'll check it out

[@txgt4463]

@@RealWorldPolice don't know about fun

[@Stinger913]

Bruh how does one become SAR stateside?

[@Jackshaft]

The dad planned all this to get a helicopter ride. Look at his grin haha

[@robertj3116]

Jack Dewald that was odd. I would be so freaked out but he was like a dream come true.

[@KaBar41]

@@robertj3116 No man can resist the charm of a classic such as a Huey.

[@lilgordy90]

Mntry Mntry there typically isn’t a bill for search and rescue operations.

[@milkcam]

Mntry Mntry Where do you live ? I’ve never heard of anyone having to pay for search and rescue

[@alekazattic6622]

Yee Haw! Who wants to go for a ride in the Whirly Bird!

[@Zedament]

Jumping out of a helicopter like a real man to save some people that need some help. A cute story of heroism.

[@RealWorldPolice]

Not quite jumping, but yeah :P

[@blowingleaves-rb9fw]

Since it’s not jumping I’d do it in a flash, like a real woman!

[@kitterzy]

Well this was interesting! I was an EMT in the late 1980s. I remember a multi-vehicle accident on the interstate that required air support/transport to a hospital that had a trauma center. After I saw a small snippet into their world, I have nothing but respect for air rescues and transport.

[@tiddlesa.6125]

Real superheros don’t need to wear capes. Thank you to all our emergency workers worldwide. Thank you.

[@jackrussell680]

Kid. This sucks missing the hike, but that helicopter ride was awesome

[@bastienbongers8036]

@CurlyG65 Lmao 😂

[@assaulth3ro911]

@CurlyG65 Oh, just a slight setback. Nothing too much to worry about.

[@Ginronmaster1994]

Don't worry he hiked plenty to get there (have been to that lake).

[@JoelHershberger]

Never get tired of watching these rescues. Those guys put themselves in harms way to save others. That is quite selfless.

[@HowDeeDo]

That went pretty smooth! Great stuff and nothing but respect for those willing to help others like this!

[@parkerhein3378]

*What’s ur name “Joe” What, joe who Joe- rubbing hand together

[@Woah.its.alex_]

joe-medical bill is through the roof

[@scottyweimuller6152]

@@Woah.its.alex_ haha i forgot you idiots in America don't have universal healthcare. Oh well enjoy your crippling debt next time you get hurt! Hi from Europe 😂😂😂😂

[@Woah.its.alex_]

Scotty Weißmüller oh well, enjoy you countries boot on your neck while I enjoy my freedom

[@scottyweimuller6152]

@@Woah.its.alex_ awe did you delete your comment where you called the kiddo weak for not walking? You know in that situation youd be screaming like a girl wanting a ride in the helicopter for a booboo and a lollipop. Hmm last i checked Switzerland doesn't have a impeachment president whos the laughing stock of the world but nice try kiddo

[@parkerhein3378]

Scotty Weißmüller whatever at least our military is better

[@hariz6020]

Imagine the guy said “Joe what” 7:07

[@jacksmith1957]

..........JOE MAMA

[@jacksmith1957]

This is why I would want to call my son joe

[@RealazJack]

You already know he thought of it in the back of his head lol.

[@gingerbread6614]

Kudos to all of you rescuers. We all can’t be without you. Thank you.

[@earnharvick]

There is NOTHING more heroic than someone who risks their own life to rescue or save another. Form the pilots to the rescue crew, they have my undying respect!

[@GhostlyMeows]

Please keep these heli rescue videos coming! They are very badass and cool.

[@rad5207]

Holy shit at least they picked the right place to hike!

[@Ginronmaster1994]

@Gangster of Love FYI its in the Alpine Lake region in Washington, an incredible lake and well worth the hike.

[@genericjonathan4115]

When the bill for this comes in the dad won’t be smiling anymore

[@Bdawg20]

Generic Jonathan it’s free actually

[@BlGGESTBROTHER]

@@Bdawg20 "free"

[@Bdawg20]

Big Brother exactly

[@jacoblasker7227]

Depends what country In Australia With great Medical Policies It would be free of charge paid by the tax payers.

[@brandonlemens230]

@@jacoblasker7227 This particular incident was in America where most search and rescue teams are volunteers and are always free of charge. They work through donations and member support

[@justin.burciagaa]

7:08 that man missed a legendary opportunity

[@monk3y362]

BigShrimpin69 Walter

[@travisreed4070]

Safe to say they all got the first aid badge

[@hugodesrosiers-plaisance3156]

The way the dad smiles once his turn is coming, he's like "Yeah I know my son got hurt, but holy heck this medevac is COOL." 😂

[@dedwin8930]

A lot of good training has gone into this!!! Well done......

[@fugg3543]

What an absolutely beautiful landscape!

[@radiack123]

The 75 people plan sounds hilarious

[@RealWorldPolice]

Happens all the time, too! (Also of note: ground teams deploy on every air support mission as backup, with the plan being that they won’t get used. SAR activations are enormous logistical operations.)

[@chrisowen4723]

​@@RealWorldPolice King County frequently has missions where the helicopter does a pass and then bails due to condition. Fog, Winds, Darkness, and Out of Ground Effect are the usual culprits. Sometimes the Navy comes with the a Blackhawk; they often choose to take on more risk than the Sheriff. There is sometimes need to move the subject to a better spot to be hoisted. For most missions, there isn't a helo; missions often happen at night, and/or in awful weather. A helo rarely makes the difference between life and death. Ground pack-outs are slower, but a lot more predictable. All of this is Free.

[@anwaralomaisi3660]

Those guys are heroes!!!.. thank you for the hard work you do.

[@IratePuffin]

That place is gorgeous! Makes me want to go camping!

[@ciaran9542]

that boy just got the most beautiful scenic trip of his life.

[@kaylac8287]

Thank you for all you do, also that kid has a crazy story to tell the rest of his life...

[@nickpalma2782]

Somebody has to do it, respect and appreciation to these special breed of heroes.

[@kathylebro1359]

Total badass! Thank you for what you do.

[@joshtheld]

I have so much respect for people who choose to save others!

[@horsetowater]

Excellent onsite assessment, leadership and delegation. Managed to maintain calm and expedite extraction. Awesome to see. Thanks for sharing.

[@pauldg837]

Makes you appreciate our rescue services.

[@justlooking4771]

That rescue was amazing to watch and the scenery.....! Holy cow that place is beautiful! 🙌❤️

[@yolandareyes518]

Thank God they all made it safe. Heroism!

[@fishermen8232]

KCASU! It's an honor to be able work with these guys as member of SAR.

[@kathyinwonderlandl.a.8934]

That was so interesting to watch how rescuing happens.. much respect for these men doing their jobs.

[@Keksstar]

Enjoyed every minute of this mission! Thanks for your awesome work guys!

[@CommandoX798]

This video makes me want to sign up for these rescue ops. Thanks to all the Men and Women who risk their lives to help others in need and protect us.

[@adastra289]

That pilot hovers that helicopter perfectly still. Good job!

[@sophielove7896]

The visuals are incredible. I want to be rescued by helicopter too..!!

[@corbindallasmultipass]

God bless SAR teams! Amazing human beings. These are the people we need more of in the world

[@maryskinner1329]

Hope you keep showing videos like this as they are heart in the throat moments. Seeing the beautiful scenery in a different country is nice also

[@fugg3543]

Loving these heli vids!

[@spencerknight7192]

The background though😛😛

[@BlGGESTBROTHER]

Washington State is gorgeous!

[@lmandrums3118]

The dislikes are from the people who were blinded from the jet blast of the helicopter and couldn't see this brave man's bravery.

[@rodrigodifederico]

Hats off sir, excelent work you and your team did there.

[@noahgrove2046]

The good ol' Huey still hard at work. I love it!

[@TheMicroTrak]

What a beautiful day for a rescue!

[@Monster11B]

Excellent professionalism and skill.

[@LON3WO1FG4MING]

My upmost respect goes to the men and women who put their lives on the line to help others.

[@BiggHogg870]

"Are you coming with us"Man hell yeah I am!! I just hiked almost 8hrs! 😆🤣

[@thebarnyard5633]

“Is this the new way to backpack?” Lmao why ya gotta crack jokes right now?

[@marciacapell1541]

You cant be afraid of the unknown, or heights. I admire this huge amount of courage!! 😊❤

[@alltehstuffs]

That technique he used to quickly siphon the rope into the dump bag was so smooth. I’ve gotta use that someday

[@alextatkin1026]

Thank all that is good that people like this exist.

[@MinnWasTaken]

Imagine they took him to the end place for their hike just so they could say they got there before the other people. xD

[@SpaceSnaxxx]

Y'all are AWESOME!!!

[@thirdmonkey]

That'll be 250k thanks for flying with SAR EMT

[@noahchristensen1630]

If you use credit we will charge an extra 3% plus tax

[@jameson1239]

It’s volunteer so the flight is free the medical stuff probably isn’t though

[@prunabluepepper]

I so much want to go there ^^ Had Azure lake many months as desktop bg picture. And even more so , now that I know brave people live there.

[@ggonzale69]

Absolutely riveting. Couldn’t look away. I obviously went into the wrong line of work.

[@EvanIreland26]

Absolutely love these videos keep them up 👍😃

[@4Score747]

Great video. Glad the boy wasn’t hurt to bad. 👍 🚁

[@royknight3099]

Nice job guys, well done.

[@BlueDudette]

These rescuers are amazingly super bad ass!! Aviation for the win!

[@Ginronmaster1994]

Wow, this is strange, i was just at that lake this summer. Good to know the trails are just as dangerous as they seemed...

[@twstf8905]

Awesome 👍 That's a beautiful hike and camping spot! I'm so happy to be a native Washingtonian. 🏔

[@xxreflexx3344]

Can you post more videos like this, always love seeing these great people going putting in work

[@iXRelaxx666lemao]

boy is that wilderness stunning!

[@niagarawarrior9623]

6:52 aaaaaand bonus points for a perfect dismount.

[@John-wk2fd]

So much beautiful petzl equipment. That's a brand that really makes some top quality gear

[@ridewithjasonhorvath]

A-Class all around. Bravo

[@mortalclown3812]

You guys are heroes - ground and air. 💪💯❤️

[@NostraFnDamus]

That is truly some spectacular scenery

[@DiegsurfPlays7]

this man has so many damn clips

[@mikeelliott1971]

love and respect for rescuers

[@azrubs593]

I know this stuff is serious, but that has to be a ton of fun!? Helicopters and ropes where like my two favorite things as a child! Is it as fun as it seems or more of an adrenaline rush?

[@Monster11B]

Both...

[@ST-ej9bt]

Get well kid. Good job guys.

[@markviereck4547]

These guys are great. What a job.

[@northernontariowacko]

Great video, well done guys. Very professional

[@Sarahr98998]

Well he ended up with a great story to tell at school!

[@Truth.Keeper]

That was cool. Great job fellas

[@wanderer2766]

These guys are superheroes. I took Part in a helicopter rescue on an Austrian glacier. A guy we met fell in a crevasse and wasnt able to move on. whitout the rescue Team he wouldnt have a Chance to escape the glacier....