UPDATE: Salem Based Oregon Guard Helicopter Launches to Aid Injured Female Hiker on Mt. Hood

The UH-60 Blackhawk helicopter from the Oregon Army National Guard departed Timberline Lodge en route to Hogs Back and had the rescue underway at 9:40 PM.

Salem-News.com

(Mount Hood) - The Oregon Army National Guard launched a Blackhawk helicopter Tuesday evening for a night rescue operation on Mt. Hood where a 45-year old woman who had been hiking, received injuries.

Equipped with night vision goggles, the crew departed Salem at approximately 5:30 PM to conduct the rescue hoist operation near a place called Hogs Back on Mt. Hood.

Clackamas County Sheriff's Office, Search and Rescue personnel report the rescue crews representing PMR and the Reach and Treat Team have successfully arrived with the victim climber and companions on Mt. Hood.

It is anticipated that this climber will be airlifted off the mountain by the Oregon National Guard Helicopter around 9:30 PM.

This patient is believed to be suffering from back and leg injuries. Rescue personnel say the patient will be transported to a local trauma hospital in Portland.

On board the rescue helicopter are pilot, Chief Warrant Officer III Dennis Cooper of Salem, co-pilot Chief Warrant Officer II Jake Webber of Portland, crew chiefs, Staff Sgt. Larry Ericson and Staff Sgt. Dave Noffsinger of Salem, and flight medic Sgt. Mike Barber of Springfield.

Oregon Guard officials say the use of the night vision equipment and hoist in the darkness provides the invaluable training for the crews while performing a real world mission to protect the lives of the citizens of Oregon.