KMXT 100.1 FM Public Radio in Kodiak, Alaska
56-Year-Old Man Suffering Chest Pains
Kodiak MH-65 Dolphin crew was ‘forward deployed’ on CGC Midgett out of Seattle
A Coast Guard Air Station Kodiak helicopter crew medevaced a fisherman to Cold Bay Monday after he was reported to be suffering from chest pains.
According to a Coast Guard statement, the 56-year-old man was onboard the fishing vessel Vaerdal which was located about 70 miles north of Cold Bay.
The MH-65 Dolphin crew was what is called “forward deployed” to the Coast Guard Cutter John Midgett. That means a helo and supporting crew go along with the cutter during its fisheries patrol so that the helo is within close range of the fishing grounds. It allows for a quicker response time for a fisherman or fishing vessel that might need help.
The command duty officer for the case, Chief Warrant Officer Joseph Ayd said the case demonstrates the importance of having helicopters deployed onboard cutters patrolling Alaska waters.
He said the need for timely responses to medevacs and rescues is the reason the Coast Guard sends its major cutters to the Bering Sea.
On-scene weather at the time of the hoist included 25-mph winds.
The Midgett is a 378 foot cutter based in Seattle.
