Georgia DNR rescues hiker in Chattahoochee National Forest

SAVANNAH, Ga. (WSAV) – The Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Law Enforcement Division (LED) said they had a successful helicopter rescue mission on Sunday.

According to LED around 1 p.m. on Sunday, game wardens were contacted in reference to a 66-year-old woman who sustained an ankle injury at Panther Creek Falls in Habersham County, which is located in a remote area of the Chattahoochee National Forest.

(Law Enforcement Division – Georgia DNR)

LED said DNR’s Aviation Unit, Habersham EMS and Rabun EMA teams hiked to the woman and administered fluids and pain medications to her.

Lt. Ryan Buller, Cpl. Kalem Burns, and GW Matt Kiracofe with DNR Aviation performed a short haul extraction from Panther Creek Falls about 3 miles west, to Habersham Fire Station 17, where LED says the patient was turned over to EMS personnel for transport to Northeast Georgia Medical Center.

(Law Enforcement Division – Georgia DNR)

DNR’s Aviation Unit supports state and federal agencies and directly support game wardens in law enforcement activities including search and rescue, hunting and boating enforcement, and special operations.

The Unit utilizes three Bell 407 helicopters.