Date: Sept. 20, 2008

Contact: PADET San Diego, CA
(619) 278-7023, phone
(619) 247-2478, mobile

Coast Guard Conducts Medical Evacuation

SAN DIEGO -- An MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter crew, from U.S. Coast Guard Sector San Diego, conducted a medical evacuation of a 34-year-old man from the fishing vessel Indian, 80 miles south of San Diego at 11:30 a.m., today.

A call came in to the Coast Guard command center from the fishing vessel stating a passenger was experiencing medical complications. A flight surgeon determined the man required a medical evacuation, and the helicopter was dispatched to the location immediately.

“The crew of the fishing vessel Indian were very helpful and professional,” said Lt. Martin J. Stiles, an MH-60 pilot. “They kept us informed of their position. Their help, combined with the skills of our rescue swimmer and flight mechanic, made the rescue safe despite the deteriorating sea conditions.”

The helicopter crew rendezvoused with the fishing vessel and hoisted the passenger.  He was taken to Scripps Hospital in La Jolla, Calif. for medical care.

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