Under a fogged sky in San Diego’s east county in the early morning hours on a recent Saturday, San Diego Humane Society and SPCA officers and volunteers gathered in Sycamore Canyon. Their mission: to practice a large-animal rescue drill that, thanks to perseverance and good luck during previous animal rescues, hasn’t been necessary in San Diego. But the responders want to be prepared if and when it’s required.
That rescue scenario would be played out with the assistance of San Diego Fire-Rescue’s helicopters. While it may seem like plucking a large animal out of danger with a helicopter would be the easiest way to go, it is actually the most dangerous and least favored method of extraction. From the aircrews’ perspective, mission pre-planning is critical. Excess weight in the copter means less flying time and less lift capability. For that reason, items like the long line and hook attachment are only carried when the mission dictates the gear is needed. If necessary, heavy items would be brought to the site with ground transportation.
If the mission is long, SDF-RD’s helicopter fuel tender would take to the roads to ensure ample fuel is available for flight operations at the rescue location. Another concern for the aircrew is aircraft movement. Forward movement during flight means better control. Hover operations, which are necessary when lifting or lowering an animal, means no forward movement for an extended amount of time.
On the ground, those rescuing the animal face other hazards. With a helicopter, the danger zone is from the main rotor shaft rearward past the tail rotor. Large animals also pose a danger: They can kick, bite, claw or roll over. Add to that the danger of thick, deep mud, jagged rocks and other elements, and the rescue effort is even trickier for those on the ground. When you bring in a helicopter 100 feet overhead, with hurricane force winds from the rotor blades and deafening noise which eliminates all but hand signals, the rescue effort is anything but routine.
During an actual lift, a veterinarian would be on scene and the animal would be sedated, adding another unknown element; If the sedation should wear off during the rescue operation, more would need to be administered. If it wears off in flight, it might be necessary to administer more, and keep the animal airborne until the drug takes effect, causing the animal to remail airborne for a longer time than originally planned.
Prior to the drill, SDFRD Captain and Helicopter Crew Chief Tim O’Malley walked everyone through the basics of helicopter operations, safety, what to do, what not to do and what to expect during the drill. A 600-lb. rubber horse replica named Fury would be doing the stunt double work for a real horse. Fury provides not only a heavy weight for the pilot to maneuver with, but an excellent life-size model that does not kick or put up an argument, which allowed Humane Society personnel ample time to practice positioning the lift harness, known as a large animal lift (LAL), essential equipment for an aerial operation.
With flight medic Barry Links and Tim O’Malley on the ground, copter pilot Lyle Ledoux spooled up Copter 1, took to the air and the drill was on. Following a successful attaching of the long line to the LAL harness, Fury was off and flying, with Ledoux setting her down in a predetermined landing zone, then lifting back in the air to another landing zone. Following the completion of the drill was an after-action report and debriefing.
San Diego Humane Society volunteers and staffers alike field an impressive array of equipment for animal rescue and welfare operations. They are also on the front lines during wildfires and natural disasters, working alongside first responders to rescue animals that need a helping hand. According to Lt. Melyssa Jones, applicants undergo a screening process very similar to those wanting to become firefighters. Once accepted, rigorous training is required, ranging from maneuvering large trailers through obstacle courses designed by a professional truck driver to fire safety and the use of protective equipment.
As Copter 1 became airborne and headed back to base, a call came in. A Clydesdale had fallen and needed assistance. After quick coordination, Lt. Jones, staff members and volunteers were on the way.
