A search and rescue team from Naval Air Station Whidbey Island rescued a 28-year-old man in Kitsap County Sunday afternoon, Oct. 5. The man had fallen from a cliff, suffering puncture wounds to the top and left side of his head.

SAR hoisted the man aboard their helicopter from a forested area near Green Mountain, at an elevation of 1,500 feet. The man, who was unconscious, was stabilized by the SAR crew and transported to Harborview Medical Center in Seattle.

“Every second counted on this one; the survivor was in extremely bad shape,”said Lt. Cole Heller, helicopter aircraft commander.

NAS Whidbey Island SAR has launched 22 search and rescue missions and three medical evacuations this year, resulting in 37 lives saved. The Navy SAR unit is specifically based here for search and rescue missions for the EA-18G aircraft as well as other squadrons and personnel assigned to the installation.

The base also has an agreement to assist Washington State with medical evacuations and search and rescue activities.