On May 26, 2016, a Eurocopter AS350 helicopter crashed on the side of Mount Hood, Oregon. The helicopter, operated by the Portland-based company Timberline Helicopters, was carrying six people: the pilot, the flight mechanic, and four climbers. All six people on board were killed in the crash. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) investigated the crash and determined that the probable cause was the pilot’s decision to fly into a known area of severe turbulence. The crash was the deadliest aviation accident in Oregon since 1978.
First Responders in Helicopter Crash Response: Who’s Who and What They Do
When a helicopter goes down, it’s all hands on deck as multiple agencies rush to the scene to provide assistance. But who does what? Here’s a crash course on the primary roles and responsibilities of the key players involved in helicopter crash response:
FAA (Federal Aviation Administration)
The FAA is the big kahuna when it comes to air traffic control. After a crash, they’re responsible for:
- Securing the airspace around the crash site to prevent further accidents
- Investigating the cause of the crash and issuing safety recommendations
NTSB (National Transportation Safety Board)
The NTSB is the independent investigative agency that determines the probable cause of transportation accidents, including helicopter crashes. They:
- Conduct thorough on-scene investigations to collect evidence
- Analyze data to determine what went wrong
- Issue reports with recommendations to prevent similar crashes in the future
Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office
The Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office is the primary law enforcement agency responsible for responding to helicopter crashes in the county. Their duties include:
- Securing the crash scene
- Investigating the circumstances surrounding the crash
- Collecting evidence and interviewing witnesses
- Providing support to victims and their families
Oregon State Police
The Oregon State Police provides assistance to the Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office during helicopter crash response. Their responsibilities include:
- Providing traffic control and road closures
- Patrolling the perimeter of the crash site
- Assisting with victim recovery and transportation
- Conducting investigations if the crash involves criminal activity
Search and Rescue: The Unsung Heroes of Helicopter Crash Response
When a helicopter goes down, time is of the essence. Every minute counts in the race to save lives. That’s where the unsung heroes of search and rescue come in.
Clackamas County Search and Rescue: The Local Experts
These dedicated volunteers know the rugged terrain of their county like the back of their hand. They’re the first responders in any helicopter crash, swooping in with their all-terrain vehicles and wilderness expertise. They’re the ones who know every nook and cranny, and can guide rescue crews to the wreckage with pinpoint accuracy.
Portland Mountain Rescue: Scaling Heights
When a helicopter goes down in the treacherous mountains of Oregon, Portland Mountain Rescue is the go-to team. These highly trained climbers and rescuers are experts in navigating steep slopes, treacherous cliffs, and dense forests. They’re the ones who can rappel down to the wreckage and provide life-saving aid.
Oregon National Guard: Bringing in the Heavy Artillery
If the crash site is too remote for ground crews to reach, the Oregon National Guard is ready to deploy. With their helicopters and specialized equipment, they can transport rescuers and supplies to the most inaccessible locations. They’re the ones who can lift the wreckage out of the mountains and get it to waiting medical teams.
These search and rescue teams are the backbone of helicopter crash response. They work tirelessly behind the scenes, facing danger head-on to bring closure to families and help survivors heal. So the next time you hear about a helicopter crash, remember these unsung heroes and the invaluable role they play in saving lives.
Medical Treatment and Support for Helicopter Crash Victims: The Role of Legacy Emanuel Medical Center and Portland Adventist Medical Center
In the unfortunate event of a helicopter crash, the well-being of the victims is paramount. Two medical facilities in the area stand ready to provide life-saving treatment and support: Legacy Emanuel Medical Center and Portland Adventist Medical Center.
Legacy Emanuel Medical Center
Legacy Emanuel Medical Center is a Level 1 trauma center, the highest level of trauma care designation. Its team of highly skilled trauma surgeons, nurses, and support staff is equipped to handle the most severe injuries, including those sustained in a helicopter crash. The hospital’s state-of-the-art trauma bay and operating rooms ensure that victims receive immediate and expert care.
Portland Adventist Medical Center
Portland Adventist Medical Center is also a Level 1 trauma center, providing comprehensive care for victims of helicopter crashes. Their team is specially trained to treat traumatic injuries and has access to advanced imaging and surgical technologies. The hospital’s compassionate staff is dedicated to providing personalized care to each patient.
Coordinated Response
Legacy Emanuel Medical Center and Portland Adventist Medical Center work closely with other first responders, such as the Fire Department and EMS, to ensure a seamless and efficient response to helicopter crashes. The hospitals’ proximity to the crash site allows for rapid transport of victims, minimizing the time between injury and treatment.
Support for Families
Beyond medical treatment, both hospitals provide support for the families of victims. They offer counseling services, chaplaincy support, and assistance with communication and insurance matters. The hospitals understand the emotional trauma that families experience and strive to create a supportive and compassionate environment for them during this difficult time.
Legacy Emanuel Medical Center and Portland Adventist Medical Center are vital partners in the response to helicopter crashes in the area. Their expertise in trauma care, dedicated staff, and commitment to patient and family support ensure that victims receive the best possible care and support.
The Impact on Loved Ones and the Industry’s Response
When a helicopter crashes, the ripple effects extend far beyond the physical wreckage. The lives of families, friends, and colleagues are shattered, leaving behind a void of laughter, memories, and shared dreams. It’s a heartbreaking truth that such incidents not only claim lives but also leave a gaping hole in the tapestry of human connection.
However, amidst the darkness, organizations like Airlift Northwest, Erickson Air-Crane, Inc., and Bell Helicopter Textron emerge as beacons of support. Their role goes beyond providing equipment and resources; they become a lifeline for the bereaved, offering a shoulder to lean on and a glimmer of hope during the darkest of times.
Airlift Northwest, with its expertise in aerial search and rescue, helps bring closure to families by locating and recovering the remains of their loved ones. Their swift and compassionate response provides a sense of solace, knowing that no stone has been left unturned in the quest for answers.
Erickson Air-Crane, Inc., a pioneer in heavy-lift helicopter operations, lends their specialized equipment to assist in the aftermath of a crash. Their expertise in lifting and transporting wreckage plays a crucial role in the investigation process, helping to shed light on the causes of the accident and prevent future tragedies.
Bell Helicopter Textron, the manufacturer of the crashed helicopter, provides invaluable technical support and expertise. Their engineers work tirelessly to analyze data, review maintenance records, and identify potential flaws. Their dedication to safety and transparency ensures that lessons are learned from each incident, leading to advancements in helicopter design and operation.
The response of these organizations extends beyond the immediate aftermath. They provide ongoing support to the victims’ families, offering counseling services, legal assistance, and financial resources. Their unwavering commitment to healing and recovery is a testament to the strength of the human spirit in the face of adversity.
Thanks for sticking with us through this tragic story. We know it’s been a lot to take in. Our thoughts are with the families and friends of the victims, and we hope that you’ll join us in sending them all the love and support they need during this difficult time. Thanks again for reading, and we’ll see you back here soon with another update.