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Mission
The Sonoma County Sheriff’s Helicopter
Unit and their Bell 407, call sign Henry 1, is a law enforcement
unit charged with multi-mission responsibilities that include Law Enforcement, Search and Rescue,
ALS Medical Transport, and Fire Suppression. The helicopter
unit is best known for regularly executing long line rescues quickly
and efficiently in challenging environments and conditions when
conventional rescue techniques are constrained by terrain, time,
or available resources.
The Sonoma County Sheriff’s Helicopter Unit regularly
trains for:
Additionally, the flight operations may provide,
air support to other law enforcement agencies during life-threatening
and emergency situations.
Search
Henry 1 can rapidly survey large areas for lost individuals or fleeing suspects.
The helicopter is equipped with a 25 million candle power
spot light, forward looking infrared (FLIR), and night vision
goggles (NVG) to locate victims or suspects who may not be
readily visible due to darkness or other obstacles.
Rescue (Long Line)
The helicopter unit uses a rescue technique known as long
line rescue. The technique, oversimplified, is to attach one
end of a 50, 100, or 200 foot rescue line to the external
cargo hooks of the helicopter, and the opposite end of the
rescue line to the crew member(s) executing the physical rescue.
The pilot flies the rescuer to the victim, the rescuer secures
the victim - the pilot, rescuer, and victim fly to a safe
area where further medical attention can be provided if necessary.
The advantages of this technique are numerous. It puts two
rescuers on the ground, it is extremely accurate, and it is
exponentially faster than other extrication techniques - especially
if multiple victims need to be rescued. All these factors
minimize exposure to inherent dangers to the pilot, the rescuer,
and the victim. The crews that execute long line rescues are
experts in this technique.
ALS Medical Transport
Henry 1 is staffed and equipped for advanced life support
missions and can transport victims to the appropriate facility
immediately following a rescue. The rescue paramedics onboard
Henry 1 are highly experienced in the field and are specifically
trained to operate in the helicopter unit’s multi-mission
environment.
Fire Suppression
Henry 1 utilizes a 150 gallon bambi bucket during fire suppression
missions. The bucket is slung below the helicopter, dipped into
nearby water sources, and released over the fire. This capability
is especially useful when other fire fighting resources are unavailable.
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