Video Captures An Injured Grandma Spinning Uncontrollably During A Helicopter Rescue!
On June 4, 2021, a helicopter rescue in Phoenix, Arizona, took a shocking turn. A 75-year-old hiker, Katalin Metro, was being airlifted from Piestewa Peak after a hiking injury when the stokes basket she was in began to spin uncontrollably. The dizzying moment, caught on video, quickly spread across social media and news outlets. Viewers were both concerned and amazed. Metro suffered facial and head injuries due to her initial fall but thankfully no injuries from the spin.
Metro later filed a lawsuit against the rescue crew, citing negligence. The incident raised questions about rescue protocols, safety measures, and accountability in emergency operations. Let’s have a closer look at what went wrong in the routine rescue.
What Went Wrong During the Rescue?
Helicopter rescues, though typically safe, are highly technical operations. To prevent spinning, a line is attached to the stokes basket. However, during this rescue, the line failed, resulting in the uncontrollable spinning.
“Sometimes when we bring the helicopter up from the ground, it will start to spin, so we have a line attached to the basket to help prevent that. Today, it didn’t.”
Paul Apolinar, chief pilot of the Phoenix Police Air Support Unit, explained the malfunction.
While this was a standard hoist rescue—a common procedure for injured hikers—such incidents are rare but not impossible. According to emergency protocol, rescuers prioritize the patient’s safety by securing them in a stable basket, ensuring quick transport to a trauma center. However, even with standard safety measures, mechanical or environmental factors can occasionally disrupt the process.
The Victim’s Perspective and Injuries
Katalin Metro was hiking at Piestewa Peak when she suffered a ground-level fall that caused facial lacerations, wrist and hip injuries, and a possibly fractured nose. Despite the spinning basket, Metro did not sustain additional injuries during the helicopter rescue itself. She was quickly transported to an area trauma center for evaluation.
“The victim suffered facial and head injuries as a result of a ground-level fall. However, she suffered no ill effects from the spin.”
Fire Department Capt. Kenny Overton confirmed the extent of her initial injuries while reassuring that the spinning had no lasting effects.
Metro later filed a lawsuit, expressing her frustration over the incident and the impact on her recovery. Her legal claims highlighted the emotional and physical toll the experience had on her and her family.
Legal Fallout and Settlement
Following the incident, Katalin Metro and her husband filed a lawsuit against the city of Phoenix, alleging negligence on the part of the rescue crew. They sought $2 million in damages, citing multiple injuries, ongoing medical expenses, and the alleged reckless conduct of the emergency responders. The lawsuit argued that the technical malfunction during the rescue was preventable with proper precautions.
On December 1, 2021, the Phoenix City Council approved a settlement of up to $450,000. However, the exact amount agreed upon remains unclear. This case brought significant attention to safety standards in helicopter rescues and the responsibilities of emergency personnel during high-stakes operations.
Conclusion
This unusual and dramatic rescue highlighted both the risks involved in emergency operations and the resilience of those affected. From the technical failure that caused the spinning basket to the legal and emotional aftermath for Katalin Metro, the incident serves as a reminder of the complexity of rescue missions.
What measures could improve the safety of future helicopter rescues? And how can emergency crews be held accountable while recognizing the challenges they face? Stories like these spark important discussions about balancing human error, technical limits, and accountability.
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