Elite Air and Ground Teams Perform Critical Rescue Near Arivaca, AZ
An injured hunter stranded in rugged Arizona terrain was rescued on February 21 by Air and Marine Operations (AMO) and Border Patrol Search, Trauma, and Rescue (BORSTAR) teams.
A UH-60 Black Hawk crew executed a high-risk aerial extraction, ensuring the hunter received urgent medical care.
Swift Response to an Emergency Call
The rescue mission began when the Pima County Sheriff’s Department requested assistance locating and extracting a hunter who had fallen and suffered a suspected fractured leg near Arivaca, AZ.
Given the harsh landscape and lack of vehicle access, AMO deployed a UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter, partnering with a Tucson Sector BORSTAR team to reach the stranded individual.
Challenging Terrain and Precision Insertion
Upon arrival, the Black Hawk crew conducted an aerial search, quickly locating the hunter. Due to the hazardous terrain, traditional landing was impossible.
Two BORSTAR EMTs descended via a 30-foot fast rope insertion, a high-precision technique used in extreme conditions.
The EMTs assessed and stabilized the injured hunter, ensuring he was secure for extraction. Given the austere environment, an airlift was deemed the safest and fastest means of transport.
Execution of the Air Extraction
The team employed the Fast Rope Insertion Extraction System (FRIES) to hoist the hunter into the helicopter.
The injured individual was then transported to a nearby paved road, where additional BORSTAR EMTs provided further medical care before transferring him to the Arivaca Fire Department for hospital transport.
Mission Breakdown
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Date of Rescue | February 21, 2024 |
| Location | Near Arivaca, Arizona |
| Involved Units | AMO UH-60 Black Hawk Crew, Tucson Sector BORSTAR |
| Technique Used | Fast Rope Insertion & Extraction |
| Injury Sustained | Suspected fractured leg |
Expertise in Aerial Search and Rescue
AMO’s precision aviation capabilities, combined with BORSTAR’s specialized trauma response, highlight the effectiveness of multi-agency rescue operations.
This mission underscores their commitment to rapid response and life-saving interventions in inaccessible regions.
“This rescue is a testament to our unmatched aviation precision capabilities,” said Jose Muriente, AMO Deputy Director, Tucson Air Branch. “I am incredibly proud of the professionalism our UH-60 crew and BORSTAR team showed today.”
Why This Rescue Matters
- Demonstrates elite air rescue operations in extreme environments.
- Highlights collaboration between federal and local agencies for life-saving missions.
AMO’s Mission and National Role
AMO operates nationwide, safeguarding U.S. borders through aviation and maritime law enforcement expertise.
The agency’s highly trained teams conduct air and sea rescues, interdict illicit activities, and provide security for national events.
Stay Informed on Borderland Operations
AMO and BORSTAR continue to enhance their search and rescue capabilities, ensuring rapid response to emergencies in remote areas. For more updates on AMO’s operations, follow official releases and agency reports.
Sources: US Customs and Border Protection.
