As the days grow shorter and darkness falls earlier in Minnesota, many people are still heading to remote areas to hunt, hike and enjoy all the season has to offer. But when something goes wrong in a hard-to-reach spot, getting help quickly can be a challenge.

Especially in the dark. 

That’s where the Minnesota Air Rescue Team (MART) using Trooper 7 — the Minnesota State Patrol’s new Bell 429 helicopter — comes in.  With night hoist rescue capability, the team can lift injured or lost people straight into the helicopter, speeding up rescues and reducing risk for everyone involved.

A safer, faster response

Until now, the team’s helicopter rescues were mainly limited to daylight hours or situations where the aircraft could safely land. The helicopter’s pilots were also limited by the technology on older aircraft and by visibility at night. 

“This is a game-changer,” said MART rescue specialist Jeremy Barta. “We can help more people out of more situations.”

With specialized training and new equipment, MART can now conduct hoist rescues in complete darkness. It’s something Minnesota State Patrol Chief Pilot, Lt. Craig Benz said marks a new era for emergency response across the state.

“Being stuck or lost in the woods can be terrifying. And the longer you have to wait, the scarier it can get,” Benz said. “Getting people the help they need quickly — day or night — is critical.”

Building skills and confidence

Before the Minnesota Air Rescue Team could perform nighttime rescues, they needed specialized training. That training focuses heavily on crew coordination, communication and decision-making under low-light conditions.

The course includes both classroom work and extensive live scenario drills in open fields and wooded environments. After completing the training program in October, 18 MART members from the St. Paul Fire Department and four Minnesota State Patrol pilots are now certified in nighttime inland hoist operations.

“For us, this capability will make a huge difference,” Barta said. “From reaching and locating people to getting them out of those bad situations, it’s gonna expedite that process, and it can potentially make a very big difference in their lives and their loved ones’ lives.”

Benz said the ability to go on night missions has been years in the making. 

“To be able to add to our capabilities and solve problems that are actually existing out there, it feels really good,” he said. 

As fall gives way to longer winter nights and colder days, the Minnesota Air Rescue Team’s new capability ensures help can reach those in need — no matter the hour or location. It’s another way the State Patrol and its partners are strengthening safety across Minnesota’s skies and ground.