Amidst the Fourth of July festivities, a harrowing scene unfolded in the remote wilderness near Alpine Lake in Marin County. A hiker found themselves in dire straits on the Helen Market Trail, leading to an urgent call to the Marin County Emergency Communications Center. The Sonoma County Sheriff’s helicopter, Henry-1, was dispatched to aid in what turned out to be a dramatic rescue operation, according to a social media post from the Sonoma Sheriff’s office.
The Ross Valley Fire Department paramedics responded first, using a boat to reach the hiker through challenging terrain. However, the patient’s remote location was such that a more advanced rescue strategy had to be quickly devised. Under pressing circumstances, it was then that the skilled crew of Henry-1 opted to perform a precarious 200-foot-long line rescue. They managed to safely hoist the injured party and one of the brave paramedics, bringing them to the safety of an awaiting ambulance…