Nevada agency testing hoist system for helicopter rescues
CARSON CITY, Nev. (AP) — The Nevada Division of Forestry is testing a new helicopter hoist system for rescuing injured wildland firefighters and other people lost or injured in remote areas that are hard to reach by ground.
Division officials say state and local government crews are now being trained on use of the new equipment.
The system can lower a rescuer to the ground then raise that person and the injured firefighter to the helicopter.
The division said the state paid for the hoist and that a U.S. Forest Service grant paid for accessories such harnesses and a lift basket.