I am a SAR tech, and want to clear up the "dangling" image. I work closely with the CHP and sheriff helicopters for rescues. The subject is hoisted up in either a litter or Bauman Bag. The heli tech stands on the skid and holds the litter/bag during transist. The litter/bag is secure along side of the helicopter during flight, and is never dangling. The only period where the subject is "loose" is when being hoisted up, and that process is controled by a tag line from the ground team to prevent spinning. Saftey and comfort to subject is always first in every SAR techs mind.
This photo must be the hoisting process but it sure looks like an E-ticket ride to me (for those of you who can remember the old Disneyland ticket system). I'm sure he was very glad to be in good hands. One last note, the sun is getting high in the eastern horizon for a "first thing in the morning" start - another reminder of how long and difficult these rescues take. A shout out to all the SAR volunteers on this one and the other rescues big and small. You rock!
