June 9, 2016 - As of April 2016, the Yosemite Helicopter Rappel Operations Plan was signed and the United States Forest Service has issued their approval for Yosemite Rappellers to operate on all U.S. Forest Service lands.

Yosemite Helitack is the only Federal Use Contract that uses helicopter rappel as a means of inserting National Park Service emergency medical personnel to a remote emergency scene and in combination, utilizes short-haul
for extraction of injured patients.

On Monday June 13, 2016 Yosemite personnel will conduct a live medical rappel/short-haul training scenario based out of Crane Flat Helibase. The need for live scenario based training, with regard to wildland fire-line rescue techniques, is paramount for the success of the program.

The intent of the training is to provide a field-based introduction on proper management of a fire line medical injury and become familiar with the capabilities of Yosemite Helicopter-551 when utilized for medical evacuation. This training will prepare emergency personnel in use of rescue protocols, while involving rappel and short-haul as a means of rescue.
Source: NPS