Matanuska-Susitna Borough, Alaska — Over the weekend, the Matanuska-Susitna (Mat-Su) Borough Water Rescue Team, Emergency Medical Services (EMS), and Butte Fire Department conducted multiple complex rescue operations in the Jim Creek and Knik Glacier areas.
The first incident, which occurred in the Knik Glacier area, involved a side-by-side vehicle that rolled over into fast-moving water, resulting in injuries to the occupant(s). The rescue was prolonged and technically demanding due to rapidly rising water levels caused by accelerated glacial melt from warm temperatures. These conditions rendered traditional access methods, including ATVs, ineffective.
In response, Department of Emergency Services (DES) personnel with the Water Rescue Team deployed specialized resources, including a rescue airboat and an aluminum-hull jet ski (AlumaSki). First responders utilized the smaller rescue craft to transfer EMS personnel and equipment to the patient.
Once Rescue personnel successfully ferried EMS providers and critical medical equipment to the scene, the patient was assessed and stabilized. Due to the severity of injuries and the remote location, helicopter evacuation was determined to be the safest course of action. The Rescue Coordination Center (RCC) was contacted, and Pararescue Jumpers (PJs) were deployed. The PJs safely extracted and transported the patient to definitive medical care.
While this operation was underway, a second incident occurred in the Jim Creek area involving a truck that became disabled during a water crossing, leaving the occupant stranded in rising waters. Resources staged for the primary rescue, along with additional responders, were able to rapidly redeploy. Utilizing a nearby rescue craft, crews quickly accessed and safely recovered the individual without injury.
“These incidents highlight not only the inherent dangers of recreating in glacial river environments, but also the dedication, skill, and seamless coordination of our responders,” said DES leadership.
DES encourages extreme caution when recreating on ATV’s in Alaska’s backcountry. Rescues are difficult and time consuming. Conditions change rapidly impacting even seasoned outdoor enthusiasts. Water crossings are inherently risky.
Media contact: Stefan Hinman
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