CBP Airlifts Elderly Hikers from Arizona Desert in Emergency Rescue

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Two elderly hikers were rescued by U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s Air and Marine Operations (AMO) on Thursday after becoming stranded in the Tucson Mountains. The pair, suffering from severe dehydration and unable to continue their hike due to extreme fatigue, were hoisted to safety by a UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter in a coordinated effort with the National Park Service and the Pima County Sheriff’s Office.

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The Tucson Air Branch responded to an urgent call for assistance, deploying a specialized rescue crew to navigate the rugged terrain. Upon arrival, AMO agents learned the hikers were experiencing intense cramps and exhaustion, prompting the need for an aerial extraction. The terrain’s difficulty made ground evacuation unsafe, leading to a hoist operation as the most viable solution.

Rescue personnel, including an AMO emergency medical technician and a rescue specialist, were lowered from the helicopter to reach the stranded individuals. After conducting medical assessments on-site, the team secured both hikers for airlift. The rescue required multiple hoist lifts to transport each person to safety.

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The hikers were flown to an area near the trailhead, where Pima County Sheriff’s Office deputies and National Park Service rangers were waiting to provide further medical care. AMO regularly conducts such rescue missions, relying on advanced training, specialized equipment, and interagency partnerships to support operations in challenging environments.

AMO operates across air and maritime regions in the U.S., Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, responding to emergencies and supporting national security through its enforcement and rescue capabilities.

Article by multiple RFHC contributors, based upon information from a U.S. Customs and Border Protection press release.

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