Minnesota rescue team saves life with new helicopter technology

On August 11, 2025, the Minnesota Air Rescue Team (MART) successfully executed a rescue operation at a remote campsite in Voyageurs National Park, located along the Canadian border. This event marked one of the first tests of a newly unveiled Minnesota State Patrol helicopter equipped with advanced hoisting capabilities. The three-man team, consisting of two members from the Saint Paul Fire Department and a pilot from the Minnesota Department of Public Safety, responded to a call for assistance regarding a woman experiencing a medical emergency. The crew was able to hoist the victim to safety quickly and efficiently. The technology utilized by the rescue team includes a side-mounted hoist system that allows for more agile and streamlined rescue operations. In previous years, finding a suitable landing zone and setting up the rescue equipment had consumed considerable time. However, with this new capability, the team can directly hoist individuals in need without the need to land and prepare on-site. Jeremy Barta, a systems operator who was in the helicopter during the rescue, remarked on the enhanced efficiency this system provides, specifically in challenging terrain such as the Boundary Waters and Voyageurs National Forest. The improvements to the rescue operations can be attributed to significant financial backing from the Minnesota Legislature, which allocated over $14 million in funding for the helicopter in 2023. The emphasis now is on the technology's ability to save valuable minutes during critical rescue situations, which may prove vital in life-threatening emergencies. Earlier in July 2025, this helicopter had already made its inaugural rescue in LeSueur County, where it assisted in locating a vulnerable man trapped in a cornfield. The successful completion of the operations thus far showcases the potential life-saving capabilities of this newly funded technology. The MART team’s experience and training, combined with modern advancements, underline the evolving landscape of emergency rescue efforts in Minnesota.