Helicopter used in mountain rescue

A climber with a broken leg and a possible concussion spent a tough evening on Mt. Washington on Friday evening, July 1, as rescuers worked to air lift her off the mountain.

The Oregon National Guard’s 1042nd Medical Company, responded to a request from the Office of Emergency Management and Linn County to assist in the rescue of 25-year-old Joann Ding of Hillsboro who was injured on the east face of Mt. Washington.

One UH-60 Blackhawk and crew was dispatched from the Army Aviation Flight Facility at approximately 8 p.m. enroute to Hoodoo Mountain Resort. There they picked up Linn and Deschutes County Search and Rescue and Camp Sherman Hasty Team members, then headed for Mt. Washington.

Ding was about 300 feet below a peak, which prohibited the use of a hoist for removal of the victim from the mountain. The ground crew then went in to relocate the victim so the helicopter could come in with the hoist and transport her to Hoodoo where Air Life would be waiting.

However, by the time the victim was taken off the mountain, Air Life had left due to darkness. A heavy fog had set in on the mountain and the decision was made to remain on site until that lifted.

A chopper picked her up at about 7 a.m. on July 2 and transported Ding to St. Charles Medical Center.

The climber was believed to be suffering from a broken femur and a concussion.