Today (7th), Squadron 3 of the NASC 1st Wing, stationed at Huanlien, was informed by the Duty Command Center that a group of 18 hikers from Chung Yuan Christian University called for help as one of the hikers, Mr. Chu, age 18, was showing altitude syndromes, such as difficulty of breathing and blood in his spits. Mr. Chu was conscious but unable to walk. Considering that it would take approximately a day and a half for ground rescuers to reach such a remote site through rugged terrains as well as it was a time-sensitive mission, a helicopter was requested for the rescue.
Upon the receipt of the order, a UH-60M Blackhawk, no. NA-709, was dispatched for the rescue. The engine started at 0710 hour after mission briefing and the helicopter took off at 0730 hour from Hualien Airport, heading for the target area. At 0745 hour, the helicopter landed at the vacant lot next to the Nanhu cabin and the crew helped the patient on board. The helicopter took off again at 0751 hour for Hualien and landed at the vacant lot next to Hualien Gangtian Temple, where a waiting ambulance dispatched by the Hualien County Fire Department picked up the patient for medical attention. The helicopter returned to the helipad at Hualien Airport at 0815 hour for another perfect rescue mission.
