USCG release - ASTORIA, Ore. — A Coast Guard MH-65 Dolphin helicopter aircrew from Air Station North Bend assisted with the evacuation of an injured hiker from a lava field near North Sister in the Three Sisters Wilderness, Saturday, Sept 5. Watchstanders at the Coast Guard Northwest District command center received notification at approximately 4 p.m. from Oregon Emergency Operations Center regarding a male hiker with injuries to his knee and wrist. Ground search and rescue crews, including EMTs, were able to reach the patient and offer initial treatment and stabilization. However, due to loose rocks and steep terrain, the ropes team could neither hike the patient out nor create anchors for a safe rope rescue. The Coast Guard aircrew arrived on scene at approximately 6 p.m., and battling deteriorating weather conditions, hoisted the hiker at approximately 7 p.m. The hiker was then transported to Eugene Airport where the individual was transferred to local EMS, who subsequently transported the individual to Riverbend Hospital. "Tough mountain hoists are always a big challenge, but our helicopter crew leaned on their everyday practice to stay calm and focused,” said Lt. Cmdr. Brandon Books, search and rescue pilot at Air Station North Bend. "That preparation, along with great help from our partner agencies on the ground, made it possible to lift the hiker out safely and get him the medical help he needed.