A Coast Guard Air Station Sitka MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter crew medevaced a 42-year-old woman from the cruise ship Celebrity Infinity near Fairweather Grounds, Alaska, Sept. 7.
The Jayhawk crew transferred the cruise ship passenger to awaiting emergency personnel in Sitka.
Coast Guard Sector Juneau watchstanders received a medevac request from the crew of the Celebrity Infinity reporting that the passenger was suffering from stroke symptoms. Watchstanders briefed the duty flight surgeon who recommended medevac within four hours. Watchstanders requested the launch of the Jayhawk crew.
“Safety is paramount, especially during any response that requires hoisting by helicopter,” said Ens. Alexander Henry, a Sector Juneau watchstander. “Great communication between the Coast Guard, the Celebrity Infinity crew and EMS personnel enabled a safe, efficient transfer of the passenger to a higher level of care.”
Weather on scene was reported as 17-mile per hour winds and seven-foot seas.
