36th Rescue Flight rescues injured hiker Published Sept. 10, 2013 By 2nd Lt. Rachelle Smith 92 Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs Fairchild Air Force Base, Wash. -- Airmen from the 36th Rescue Flight rescued a hiker Sept. 6 near Riggins, Idaho after she fell into a cave injuring her legs and back. The victim was hiking the Seven Devils Mountains, located approximately 18 miles southwest of Riggins when the mishap took place. Since emergency personnel were not able to arrive on scene due to the terrain, the 36th Rescue Flight was notified by the Air Force Rescue Coordination Center at Tyndall Air Force Base, Fla. A crew of five Airmen launched to the area in a UH-N1 Iroquois helicopter at 7 a.m. and arrived on scene at 8:30 a.m. At the time of the rescue, she had managed to get herself out of the cave and to base camp. The medic assisted her to the helicopter. Her injuries were not immediately life threatening, but extensive enough to prevent her from hiking any further. The hiker was transported to St. Joseph Regional Medical Center in Lewiston, Idaho by a waiting ambulance at Lewiston Airport due to inclement weather. "The fact that as a small unit we are also able to participate in Search and Rescue Operations and have such a significant impact to the local community is an additional bonus that we as a unit all appreciate," said Capt. Alberto Holt, aircraft commander. "We at the 36th RQF are truly fortunate to be able support the Air Force Survival school, and help train our Airmen to have the skills required to not only survive in an isolated situation, but to return with honor." The crew consisted of Capt. Alberto Holt, aircraft commander; Lt. Col. Sammy Pierce, co-pilot; Master Sgt. Jordan Friedman, flight engineer; Tech.Sgt. Kenneth Griego, flight engineer; and Master Sgt. Joseph Brownell, independent duty medical technician. Friday's rescue was the flight's 684th rescue mission.