The recent wave of extreme heat in California is not only posing a threat to residents on the ground but is also impacting the operations of emergency responder pilots who fly medical helicopters. Lead helicopter pilot Douglas Evans had to cancel a flight for the first time in his 27-year career due to the scorching temperatures, which reached as high as 116.6 degrees in Redding, California. High temperatures resulting from climate change are now forcing companies like REACH Air Medical Services to decline rescue calls over the weekends, a rare occurrence that is affecting their ability to carry out missions across the state.
In addition to impacting medical helicopter operations, the heat is also hampering efforts to transport patients and conduct rescues in California’s national parks, such as Joshua Tree and Death Valley. The extreme temperatures have led to incidents where helicopters were unable to respond to rescue calls, resulting in delays and in some cases tragic consequences. The heat is creating challenges for pilots and crew members, who are struggling to operate safely and efficiently in the sweltering conditions, ultimately making their life-saving missions more difficult.
