Firefighters at the Kern County Fire Department (KDFC) Air Operations, are always ready at any moment to jump into action to fight a fire or perform a rescue. A team is on call 24/7, seven days a week.
During the Water Fire near the Grapevine, the helicopter crew on Helicopter 408 were fighting the fire, but once they heard the call one of their own was injured, they switched gears.
Helicopter superintendent and rescue paramedic, Guy Lawrence, said it takes around ten minutes to switch the helicopter's interior to prepare for a rescue. After extensive safety checks, making sure all the equipment is on board and the harnesses secure, they begin their rescue.
They rescued Ethan Sanders, a hotshot firefighter who was battling the Water Fire when he was hit by a rock and sent 30 feet down the mountain. With several fractured ribs, seven staples and several other injuries, Sanders is home and healing.