A Coast Guard Air Station Kodiak, Alaska, MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter crew medevaced a 23-year-old man from a fishing vessel near Sitkinak Island, south of Kodiak, April 29, 2016.
The man contacted Coast Guard Sector Anchorage watchstanders reporting that he was unable to get back to Kodiak and was suffering from symptoms of diabetic shock.
U.S. Coast Guard video.
ANCHORAGE, Alaska — A Coast Guard Air Station Kodiak MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter crew medevaced a 23-year-old man from a fishing vessel near Sitkinak Island, south of Kodiak, Friday.
The Jayhawk aircrew safely hoisted the man and rendezvoused with emergency medical services personnel in Kodiak. EMS transferred the man to Providence Kodiak Island Medical Center for further care.
The man contacted Coast Guard Sector Anchorage watchstanders reporting that he was unable to get back to Kodiak and was suffering from symptoms of diabetic shock. Watchstanders consulted with the duty flight surgeon who recommended a medevac. Watchstanders requested the launch of the Jayhawk and maintained regular communications with the man until the aircrew arrived on scene.
“Medical situations can arise while on the water and it is important that boaters are able to call for help,” said Chief Petty Officer Erik Patterson, a command duty officer at Sector Anchorage. “This man acted quickly and called the Coast Guard over VH-FM radio to report his situation and ask for assistance. Air Station Kodiak's focus on training, standardization and teamwork enables us to safely and successfully transport individuals for higher care.”
Weather on scene was reported as a slight breeze and calm seas.