Russell D. Phippen helped to rescue Revath Than from drowning, Lowell, Massachusetts, January 3, 2018. At night, Than, 24, clung to a rock in the Merrimack River and called for help. Authorities, including police and fire departments, arrived shortly but initial efforts to rescue Than were unsuccessful. A police helicopter equipped with a searchlight and carrying Phippen, 43, tactical flight officer, was dispatched solely to illuminate the dark river, which flowed swiftly and contained ice. The helicopter was not designed or equipped for rescue operations. Arriving at the scene, the pilot and Phippen observed Than, who had been partially submerged in sub-freezing temperatures for more than 20 minutes, to be lethargic and determined that he required immediate assistance. The pilot began to descend to water level near Than as Phippen, attached to the helicopter by a strap at an open door, positioned himself outside the cabin on a skid. With Than beyond Phippen’s reach, the pilot maneuvered the helicopter closer to him as Phippen moved to the other side of the cabin, opened another door, and again positioned himself on a skid. With the helicopter skimming the surface of the water, Phippen handed Than a life vest, grasped his arm, and pulled his upper body into the cabin. Unable to pull Than’s entire body inside, Pippen held onto Than and, with the helicopter’s rear doors open, the pilot flew to a nearby hospital. Than suffered hypothermia and a cut on his chin; he recovered. Phippen was sore and wet. 89615-10036
89615 – 10036
89615-10036