U.S. Customs and Border Protection Air and Marine Operations conducted an emergency aerial rescue on February 19 after a 21-year-old hiker fell approximately 150 feet from the Mammoth Rock Trail in Franklin Mountains State Park near El Paso, sustaining serious injuries.
The hiker suffered significant injuries including an apparent open fracture to one knee and was non-mobile. Due to the remote and rugged terrain, ground evacuation was not feasible within a safe or reasonable timeframe. El Paso’s Combined Search and Rescue team requested aerial extraction.
The Rescue Operation
The El Paso Air Branch launched a UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter and aircrew to assist. Upon arrival, the aircrew established communication with ground rescue personnel and executed a precision hover, successfully conducting a 250-foot hoist operation. The aircrew safely extracted the patient and accompanying rescue personnel from the mountainside.
Given the severity of the patient’s injuries and the operational environment, the patient and rescue team were immediately transported to a Level I trauma center for advanced medical care.
How Often This Happens
CBP Air and Marine Operations conducts rescue missions regularly as part of its broader mission. Between October 1, 2021 and June 30, 2022, AMO crews operating in the southwest region—which spans Nevada, Oklahoma, Texas, California, Arizona, and New Mexico—rescued 244 people. In Fiscal Year 2020, AMO agents rescued 184 persons while simultaneously conducting law enforcement operations.
The southwest region is known for inhospitable mountain and desert terrain as well as extreme temperatures, which often lead to high-risk rescue situations as both migrants and outdoor enthusiasts attempt to navigate the hazardous landscape.
A Critical Partnership
Air and Marine Operations, an operational component of U.S. Customs and Border Protection, partners with local agencies including fire departments and search and rescue teams, offering critical aviation resources in emergency situations. AMO personnel frequently transition from law enforcement missions to first responder roles when emergency circumstances exist.
Source: U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Air and Marine Operations
