Thursday, 30 Oct 2025
  • Contact
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms & Conditions
  • DMCA
logo logo
  • World
  • Politics
  • Crime
  • Economy
  • Tech & Science
  • Sports
  • Entertainment
  • More
    • Education
    • Celebrities
    • Culture and Arts
    • Environment
    • Health and Wellness
    • Lifestyle
  • 🔥
  • Trump
  • VIDEO
  • House
  • White
  • ScienceAlert
  • Trumps
  • Watch
  • man
  • Health
  • Season
Font ResizerAa
American FocusAmerican Focus
Search
  • World
  • Politics
  • Crime
  • Economy
  • Tech & Science
  • Sports
  • Entertainment
  • More
    • Education
    • Celebrities
    • Culture and Arts
    • Environment
    • Health and Wellness
    • Lifestyle
Follow US
© 2024 americanfocus.online – All Rights Reserved.
American Focus > Blog > World News > California motorists help lift downed helicopter on highway after hearing trapped medic groan
World News

California motorists help lift downed helicopter on highway after hearing trapped medic groan

Last updated: October 8, 2025 12:49 pm
Share
California motorists help lift downed helicopter on highway after hearing trapped medic groan
SHARE

Just moments after a medical helicopter made an emergency landing on a California highway, Sacramento Fire Capt. Peter Vandersluis found himself leading a spontaneous group of around 15 bystanders to lift the debris off a trapped paramedic.

As Vandersluis commanded “lift,” they hoisted the aircraft. When he instructed “hold,” they maintained their grip.

“Pure instinct kicked in — the helpers were ready and quick to follow my directions,” Vandersluis shared with The Associated Press on Tuesday. “We managed to elevate it effortlessly.”

In the wake of the helicopter incident on a California highway, Sacramento Fire Capt. Peter Vandersluis orchestrated a makeshift rescue team of motorist volunteers. Terry De Crescenzo

The paramedic, along with a nurse and the pilot, was transported to hospitals in critical condition following the helicopter’s crash on State Route 50, located east of downtown Sacramento.

The aircraft had just departed from a hospital after dropping off a patient when it encountered an “in-air emergency” and went down shortly after 7 p.m. Details on the current conditions of the three individuals were not available as of Tuesday.

Vandersluis was overseeing the first fire truck on the scene and recognized that waiting for additional rescue units would take too long.

“Upon hearing the woman groan, I knew it was time to rally the bystanders to lift the helicopter off her,” he explained.

A firefighter attempted to pull the paramedic free, only to discover that she was pinned by her seatbelt. He crawled beneath, cut the seatbelt, and successfully rescued her.

The makeshift team managed to elevate the aircraft in about 30 seconds. Less than a minute had elapsed by the time the firefighter freed the paramedic.

Once the paramedic was safely out, the group gently lowered the helicopter back to the ground.

See also  Prospective employees get insight into rural sector

The paramedic, alongside a nurse and pilot, was taken to hospitals under critical observation after the helicopter incident on State Route 50 east of downtown Sacramento. Zuma / SplashNews.com

Vandersluis remarked that he had never headed a civilian response team in such an urgent situation before. However, he credited his role in guiding his colleagues every day, along with nearly two decades of firefighting experience, for equipping him with the necessary skills.

His engine crew was en route to assist with a nearby motorcycle accident in the westbound lanes when the helicopter crashed. They quickly maneuvered against traffic to reach the scene within minutes.

Some motorists had already exited their vehicles to assist by the time firefighters arrived.

Aimee Braddock was one of those who pitched in. She recounted to KCRA-TV that she rushed towards the crash site upon witnessing the helicopter descend rapidly.

“Seeing everyone trying to help lift the helicopter for the first responders, I jumped in line and did whatever I could,” Braddock shared. “We held it up for several minutes, allowing the responders to free the injured person.”

Vandersluis oversaw the first fire engine crew on-site and knew the wait for more rescue teams would be lengthy. Terry De Crescenzo

Fire officials stated there was no confirmation of a fire aboard the helicopter. While white smoke was seen emanating from the aircraft during the crash, Vandersluis clarified that it was released by the onboard fire suppression system.

Remarkably, no one on the highway was hurt, something Capt. Justin Sylvia of the Sacramento Fire Department described as “mind-blowing,” given the helicopter’s landing in the highway’s middle.

“Witnesses reported seeing the helicopter descend rapidly, prompting traffic to slow down,” Sylvia noted.

The National Transportation Safety Board and the Federal Aviation Administration have initiated investigations into the crash involving the Airbus EC-130 T2.

See also  Volodymyr Zelensky tells Ben Shapiro he wishes Trump would realize 'Russia is the aggressor'

Vandersluis indicated he had no prior experience leading civilians during an emergency response. @SacFirePIO/X

The helicopter was a REACH Air Medical unit, per the company’s statement, which expressed their thoughts and prayers for everyone impacted.

“We are currently working to ascertain details of this incident and the conditions of the REACH staff, all of whom were taken to local hospitals,” the company announced.

Sacramento City Councilwoman Lisa Kaplan was accompanying law enforcement during the response to the crash and noted visible smoke emanating from the downed helicopter.

“It’s a solemn and sobering experience. Being up in the air with sheriff pilots, who routinely do this job, makes you appreciate each day and be thankful for our officers and medical pilots,” she remarked.

TAGGED:CaliforniadownedGroanhearinghelicopterhighwayLiftMedicmotoriststrapped
Share This Article
Twitter Email Copy Link Print
Previous Article Why Walmart And Target Love ChatGPT But Amazon Is Banking On Rufus Why Walmart And Target Love ChatGPT But Amazon Is Banking On Rufus
Next Article JUSTICE DENIED. Dan Wilson’s Imprisonment And The DOJ’s Failure to Uphold A Presidential Pardon | The Gateway Pundit | by Jenn Baker JUSTICE DENIED. Dan Wilson’s Imprisonment And The DOJ’s Failure to Uphold A Presidential Pardon | The Gateway Pundit | by Jenn Baker
Leave a comment

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Popular Posts

In ‘Spirit Level,’ Tau Lewis’s Monumental Figures Usher in an Unearthly World — Colossal

Tau Lewis presents an awe-inspiring exhibition titled "Spirit Level" at the Institute of Contemporary Art…

September 7, 2024

Review of early childhood education funding announced

By John Gerritsen and Jazlyn Whales of RNZ A review of early childhood education funding…

June 16, 2025

Don’t know where that came from

WWE Hall of Famer Jim Ross recently addressed rumors of having heat with legendary wrestler…

June 23, 2025

ServiceNow, Inc. (NOW) Stock Forecasts

Meet Joseph F. Bonner, CFA: Senior Analyst at Argus Research Joseph F. Bonner, CFA Senior…

April 28, 2025

Cybertruck police cruisers set to patrol World Cup matches in Mexico

Despite these potential drawbacks, the adoption of Cybertrucks by law enforcement agencies continues to gain…

May 27, 2025

You Might Also Like

Denver’s top ICE official says he was reassigned to Virginia
World News

Denver’s top ICE official says he was reassigned to Virginia

October 30, 2025
Thieves Rob 1,000 Collection Items From California Museum
Culture and Arts

Thieves Rob 1,000 Collection Items From California Museum

October 30, 2025
Trump Administration Finds Money For Troops, Says It’s Too ‘Difficult’ To Pay Food Benefits
World News

Trump Administration Finds Money For Troops, Says It’s Too ‘Difficult’ To Pay Food Benefits

October 30, 2025
Trump greets hundreds of trick-or-treaters at White House Halloween
World News

Trump greets hundreds of trick-or-treaters at White House Halloween

October 30, 2025
logo logo
Facebook Twitter Youtube

About US


Explore global affairs, political insights, and linguistic origins. Stay informed with our comprehensive coverage of world news, politics, and Lifestyle.

Top Categories
  • Crime
  • Environment
  • Sports
  • Tech and Science
Usefull Links
  • Contact
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms & Conditions
  • DMCA

© 2024 americanfocus.online –  All Rights Reserved.

Welcome Back!

Sign in to your account

Lost your password?