I’m not a misanthrope. I like people. And not just the ones who have interesting cars; I think I’m fond of people in general. If you’re in a mental state where you’re currently not fond of people yourself, there’s a bit of news that happened that may change your perception, at least a bit. The news is not great; it’s about a medical helicopter that crashed on State Route 50 in Sacremento, California on Monday night. That’s not the part that will change your perception of anything. The part worth noting is that after the crash, a group of motorists around the site of the crash all worked together to physically lift the crashed helicopter to try to save a crewperson trapped inside.
The REACH Air Medical Services H130 helicopter had taken off from the rooftop helipad at US Davis Medical center and ended up crashing less than 30 seconds later due to what seem to be mechanical issues. Incredibly, and thanks to the pilot’s skill, the helicopter did not hit any of the cars on the road at the time.
A video of the helicopter actually crashing has made it online, and you can see the rotors smacking into the ground after the chopper ends up on its side. This particular type of helicopter is designed with a system to prevent the fuel from igniting after a crash, though large plumes of what looks to be smoke can be seen coming from the helicopter (though it’s likely from the helicopter’s fire suppression system):
The helicopter had three people onboard: a pilot, a nurse and a paramedic, all of whom are injured in the hospital. The pilot and paramedic are in critical yet stable condition, while the nurse remains in critical and unstable condition, per officials.
Things could have ended up far worse had it not been for the actions of about 15 motorists, who came to the aid of the paramedic who was trapped under the wreckage.
Sacramento Fire Captain Peter Vandersluis arrived at the scene in minutes, having already been dispatched to the area for a motorcycle accident. People had already left their cars to go to the wrecked helicopter to see if they could help, and Captain Vandersluis was able to organize the volunteers and get them to help. As he told the Associated Press:
“Just out of instinct — the people were there willing to help, and they didn’t hesitate and followed my exact commands. And we were able to lift it up with ease.”
There’s video of the people helping, taken by a witness at the scene:
Those are just regular folks, who happened to be either at the wrong place at the wrong time, or the right place at the right time, depending on your perspective. Their coordinated effort to tilt that helicopter up and allow first responders to get the trapped paramedic free could have saved her life.
Each one of those people lifting the chopper is a hero, stepping up to selflessly help someone without hesitation. It’s a good reminder that, given the opportunity, people will often come through and surprise you with their selflessness and goodness.
You know, at least sometimes.
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