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[pct-l] PCT Medical Airlift



 My last day of section hiking A&B from the kickoff was quite adventurous.  As I was descending Snow Creek I found Marge "the old gal" sitting along the trail a good 5 miles from the bottom.  Her right knee had given out on her and she was unable to place any weight on that leg......but like usual the OLD GAL was in great spirits.  Her hiking partner Jim had left her about 90 minutes prior and was to summon help.  My cell phone worked and so I called 911 and clarified the situation and was informed that aviation was contacted and some ground pounders might be on their way up.  About half an hour later we noticed a fixed wing aircraft that was seemingly circling us.  We were expected a helicopter and thought this one was out just for a joy ride.  We finally figured out that this was aviation so we waved at him and he circled closer.  He continued to circle for about an hour when he was replaced by a helicopter.  By this time the wind had picked up and the copter was unable to land. 
 After refueling he dropped off a litter and three personnel about 1000 ft above us by the time they arrived three others had joined them from their hike to the bottom.  They packaged our 78 year old patient and lugged her up to the copter.  It took them well over an hour and the whole ordeal took almost 6 hrs (much better than the last time that the OLD GAL was stranded for three days) They then airlifted her the bottom and ambulanced her to a hospital.  I hope to hear from her tomorrow about her status and plans.  Her injury was very painful but she is very anxious to get back out on the trail.  Her spirits and expectations are very high but her body might not cooperate.  I hope all goes well.
 
Duane - shutterbugg


		
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