On Thursday, a San Diego Coast Guard helicopter aircrew faced a race against time, performing a daring medevac off the coast of San Diego, according to U.S. Coast Guard News. A 50-year-old male aboard the fishing vessel Spirit of Adventure required immediate medical attention, as he was displaying symptoms typically related to a heart attack.
A distress call was sent out around 1:40 p.m. to the Coast Guard Sector San Diego Joint Harbor Operations Center watchstanders by Spirit of Adventure crewmembers, who pleaded for help. In response, watchstanders launched an MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter crew, fortified by a San Diego Fire-Rescue Department Special Tactics and Rescue (STAR) Team paramedic.
Upon arrival at the scene, the helicopter crew lowered the rescue swimmer, retrieved the patient, and transported him to Scripps Memorial Hospital La Jolla. Gratefully, the man was reported to be in stable condition, thus highlighting how mastery of one's craft and selfless dedication amidst adversity can be the linchpin to saving lives.
