The 176th Wing of the Alaska Air National Guardsmen rescued an injured mountain biker near Girdwood on Wednesday. The biker, who was riding an electric bike, was reported to the Alaska State Troopers as lost in the vicinity of Upper Winner Creek Trail.
Alaska Air National Guard Master Sgt. David Alborn, said the Alaska State Troopers requested assistance from the Alaska Rescue Coordination Center, and they requested assistance from the 176th Wing who dispatched a 210th Rescue Squadron HH-60G Pave Hawk helicopter and a 212th Rescue Squadron pararescue team.
A Girdwood Fire Department ground search and rescue team located the biker before the helicopter arrived, but they were unable to safely transport him. Due to the terrain, the helicopter crew hoisted down two pararescue teams who packaged and hoisted the biker to the helicopter. The biker was taken to the Providence Alaska Medical Center in Anchorage, condition unknown.
Sgt. Alborn said planning is key to safely return when venturing into the Alaska wilderness:
“It’s important to be familiar with the area and the trails, and to properly plan your route. Even for a short trip, be prepared to spend an extended time or even the night if necessary.”
For this rescue, 210th Rescue Squadron, 212th Rescue Squadron, the Alaska Rescue Coordination Center, and the Girdwood Fire Department were awarded one save.
