April 17, 2016
JUNEAU, Alaska — A Coast Guard Air Station Sitka MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter crew medevaced a 15-year-old male kayaker from Nakwasina Sound, north of Sitka, Sunday.
The aircrew safely transported the kayaker to the air station and transferred him to Mount Edgecumbe EMS for further care.Coast Guard 17th District watchstanders received a report from Sitka police department that the kayaker was experiencing severe abdominal pain and was in and out of consciousness. Watchstanders requested the launch of the helicopter crew to medevac the kayaker. "The Coast Guard is routinely called upon to conduct medevacs in Alaska," said Lt. Melanie Collier, a 17th District watchstander. "Our helicopter crews constantly train to safely transport patients and reduce the time it takes for them to receive medical care."
Weather on scene was reported as 20 mph winds and light rain.