The Alaska Air National Guard’s search and rescue aircrew and pararescue teams saved two hikers that suddenly got stranded on Rainbow Peak trail in the early morning hours on Saturday, May 1st. One of the hikers reportedly got injured and was unable to continue hiking as nightfall and the colder temperatures set in. The Alaska Rescue Coordination Center received a call from an air ambulance company after they couldn’t reach the hikers, who were halfway down the popular trail. The Alaska Air National Guard’s rescue squadrons, which can fly in the dark, were called in to help.
The aircrew from the Air National Guard’s 210th Rescue Squadron and pararescue personnel from the Guard’s 212th Rescue Squadron departed Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson at 1:03 a.m. and flew to the location, hoisted them into the helicopter, and took them to Providence Medical Center in Anchorage at 1:26 a.m.
Capt. Daniel Dickman, the Alaska Rescue Coordination Center said, “It took 23 minutes for them to locate, save and deliver the hikers to medical care. It was dark and cold, and they had been there for a while before we got the call to assist, so with no overnight or survival gear, they needed help.”
Lt. Col. Jeremy Groat, Commander of the 210th Rescue Squadron said, “We flew up and over Flattop to Rainbow, and as soon as we came over the ridge, we saw the light from their flashlight or cell phone. The NVG (night-vision goggles) intensifies any light source, so they were easy to spot. We pulled into a hover just downslope from them, saw they were hunkered down, and then went and hovered over them. We sent down both PJs, each with a rescue strop, then hoisted each patient up one at a time with a PJ.”
The hikers had cell phone service, but Dickman said that’s not something outdoor enthusiasts can count on, “We recommend always having some form of communication and a backup form of service, such a beacon or satellite tracker. Even on a day trip, hikers should always be prepared to stay warm if they have to hold up overnight. It’s worth carrying the extra gear, such as additional clothing, food, plenty of drinking water, and an iodine tablet in case they need to drink from a local water source.”
The 210th Rescue Squadron, the 212th Rescue Squadron and the Alaska Rescue Coordination Center were awarded two saves for the rescue, according to the Alaska Air National Guard.