Increase in hoist rescues in Colorado causes concern among specialists
In the mountainous and backcountry regions of Colorado, a remarkable increase in helicopter hoist rescue missions has been observed this year. As of the end of June, a record number of 18 hoist rescue requests have been made, more than doubling the number from the same period in 2024 [1].
This surge includes several rescues on Colorado's popular 14,000-foot peaks, known as 14ers, and has featured challenging operations such as airlifting hikers struck by lightning at high elevation [1]. The Colorado Hoist Rescue Team, a collaboration among the Colorado Search and Rescue Association, the Colorado Army National Guard, and local rescue groups with specially trained volunteers, manages these complex and resource-intensive operations [1][4].
The team emphasizes that helicopter hoists are not to be used lightly, as they require serious resources and carry inherent risks [1]. Resources available for such missions include the statewide network of search and rescue volunteers and military support, along with helicopter assets capable of performing these hoist rescues [1]. Experts recommend that hikers carry satellite communication devices like Garmin InReach or Personal Locator Beacons to effectively call 911 and activate search and rescue teams promptly during emergencies [1].
Volunteer search and rescue groups, such as the TCSAR (Trail Creek Search and Rescue) in Colorado, have been instrumental in backcountry rescue efforts for decades, providing continuous emergency response in these challenging environments [4][5]. The collaboration between volunteers, military units, and air rescue services ensures that rapid and effective hoist rescues can be conducted despite the inherent dangers and logistical difficulties.
In a recent mission on Little Bear Peak, a climber was caught in a rockfall, leading to an urgent hoist rescue operation [2]. The hoist operator had about 270 feet of cable out, and the helicopter was able to lower two rescue techs and the victim in what's called a "stable flight bag" [2]. Bentley, a member of Detachment 1 of Charlie Company 1-168th, General Support Aviation Battalion, often performs rescue missions from high peaks in Colorado [3].
En route to a rescue, Bentley calculates fuel burn, temperature, and pressure altitudes for power calculations [3]. Winds in the high mountains can affect the ability to perform a hoist rescue, but the crew is prepared for such challenges. Most of the helicopter crews are staffed by the Colorado Army National Guard [1].
It takes anywhere from 3.5 to 6 hours from the time of injury for a helicopter to perform a rescue [1]. Sometimes fuel is burned off to adjust for weight, and rescue techs may be let off the aircraft to reduce weight. People should be prepared to wait that long for a rescue [1]. Rescue techs are the only civilians on the missions and are Colorado Search and Rescue volunteers like Drew Hildner [4].
The rising number of requests for hoist rescue missions may be due to greater awareness of the resources available for rescue [6]. However, no further information on the man's condition was available Friday [2].
References:
[1] Colorado Public Radio. (2025, July 1). Colorado sees surge in helicopter hoist rescues. Retrieved from https://www.cpr.org/2025/07/01/colorado-sees-surge-in-helicopter-hoist-rescues/
[2] The Denver Post. (2025, June 28). Climber rescued from Little Bear Peak in Colorado. Retrieved from https://www.denverpost.com/2025/06/28/climber-rescued-little-bear-peak-colorado/
[3] Colorado Army National Guard. (n.d.). General Support Aviation Battalion. Retrieved from https://www.coarng.army.mil/units/168th-aviation/1-168th-aviation-battalion/general-support-aviation-battalion/
[4] TCSAR. (n.d.). About TCSAR. Retrieved from https://tcsar.org/about/
[5] Colorado Search and Rescue Association. (n.d.). Who we are. Retrieved from https://www.coloradosar.org/who-we-are/
[6] Colorado Department of Public Safety. (n.d.). Colorado Search and Rescue. Retrieved from https://dps.colorado.gov/programs/colorado-search-and-rescue
- The Colorado Hoist Rescue Team, which is a collaboration between the Colorado Search and Rescue Association, the Colorado Army National Guard, and local rescue groups, manage complex and resource-intensive outdoor-living operations like helicopter hoist rescues.
- In home-and-garden news, experts advise hikers to carry satellite communication devices, such as Garmin InReach or Personal Locator Beacons, for prompt activation of search and rescue teams during emergencies.
- In the realm of sports and recreational activities, the increasing demand for helicopter hoist rescue missions in Colorado, particularly in popular 14,000-foot peaks known as 14ers, highlights the need for increased awareness about the risks involved and the importance of preparedness when engaging in such activities.
