Coast Guard medevacs male from fishing vessel in Prince William Sound, Alaska

News Release

U.S. Coast Guard 17th District Alaska Contact: 17th District Public Affairs Office: (907) 428-4181 Meredith.a.manning@uscg.mil 17th District online newsroom

Coast Guard medevacs male from fishing vessel in Prince William Sound, Alaska

 

ANCHORAGE, Alaska— Coast Guard Station Valdez crew members medevaced an 18-year-old male, suffering from a hand injury, from the fishing vessel Pacific Harvester in Prince William Sound, Alaska, Thursday evening.

 

The station’s crew, including an emergency trauma technician, treated the man’s hand while in transit to a Valdez pier where he was transferred to awaiting emergency medical service personnel for higher care.

 

Watchstanders at Coast Guard Sector Anchorage command center received a report from the master of the Pacific Harvester requesting a medevac for the crewmember who was suffering from a hand injury and displaying signs of shock. Watchstanders consulted with the duty flight surgeon who recommended a medevac. Watchstanders directed the launch of a Station Valdez boat crew.

 

“Having an ETT and first aid certified crewmembers allowed us to treat the man’s hand while transporting him to the pier,” said Petty Officer 2^nd Class Gary Hutchison, the small boat coxswain during the case. “We train for emergencies like these and we hope he makes a speedy recovery.”

 

Weather on scene was reported as 1-foot seas, 12 mph winds, raining and overcast.