WCSO NEWS–The Washoe County Sheriff’s Office RAVEN helicopter successfully rescued an injured paraglider who had gone down in the steep mountainous terrain above Marlette Lake late Saturday evening.
The Washoe County Sheriff’s Dispatch Center initially received a call from the injured paraglider himself at approximately 6:30 p.m. on Saturday, July 5, 2014. The paraglider said that he had gone down in the area of Herlon Peak above Sand Harbor.
Approximately 20 Sheriff’s Search and Rescue Team volunteers responded, along with units from the North Lake Tahoe Fire Protection District. Search and Rescue volunteers headed toward the location of the paraglider on foot but due to the location and condition of the victim, RAVEN was immediately requested.
The RAVEN crew, along with a Search and Rescue HASTY Team volunteer responded. As they approached the area, the RAVEN crew made cellphone contact with the victim and were able to locate him between two sharp peaks at the 8,000 foot level.
The HASTY Team volunteer was lowered to the victim along with a backboard and litter. Working in very steep, rugged terrain, the HASTY Team volunteer singlehandedly secured the paraglider into the litter and the victim was successfully hoisted into the RAVEN helicopter.
RAVEN then brought the paraglider to the Ponderosa Ranch parking area for transfer to Careflight.
“Our volunteers and staff continually prepare by putting in thousands of hours of training every year for just this type of incident,” Assistant Sheriff Darin Balaam said. “Training we’d prefer never having to use, but we know will be critical to saving lives when the call comes and our response is needed.” esponse is needed.”
