Inland Rescue Considerations

Conducting inland SAR operations requires a flexible and informed approach, especially in challenging terrain and remote environments. The following guide outlines key considerations and techniques that enhance the effectiveness of helicopter-supported inland SAR missions. Direct communication between the individual coordinating the response and the helicopter crew is critical to avoid the misunderstanding and misinformation inherent in relaying details through multiple entities.

Initial Assessment & Planning Inputs 

If a location is known, consider the following: 

• Survivor communication: cell phone, inReach, radio, etc. 
• Environmental conditions: altitude, temperature, winds, ceiling, visibility. 
• Fuel planning: refuel location, range, endurance. 
• Power margin: assess available power, power required, and time on station. 
• Hoist site evaluation: use tools like Google Earth to assess terrain—look for vertical surfaces, tall tree canopies, or carry-out paths to clear hoist points. 
• Ground party coordination: 
  • Timing, communications, route, number of responders, alternatives to hoisting. 
  • Vehicle capabilities: snow machine, snowcat, ATV, e-bike, horseback. 
  • Ground party expertise: high-angle rescue, medical capabilities, overnight prep. 
  • Ground team helicopter transportation options: planned pickup/relocation sites. 
• Rescue swimmer considerations: include additional swimmers for carry-outs, overnight stays, or to support complex evolutions. 

Because inland rescues typically presents more alternative courses of action than offshore maritime rescues, they should likewise be pursued alongside the helicopter response. While helicopter rescue can be effective, the probability of success is never 100%. Factors such as limited hoist cable length, deteriorating weather, or aircraft malfunctions can quickly make helicopter rescue unviable. For example, one of the first inland cases I managed involved an injured person that needed to be moved further from ground rescue to a location that would permit a helicopter hoist. I wanted our crew to effect the rescue. However, because the helicopter would only save approximately thirty minutes compared to the ground rescue option, to increase the probability of success, rather than moving the individual further away from ground transportation we elected to carry out the individual, launch the helicopter and evaluate hoisting options en route to ground transportation.