Plainview, United States – A fall of nearly 20 feet in steep, heavily wooded terrain left no easy escape for an officer injured at Whitewater Wildlife Management Area near Plainview last week.

The Minnesota Air Rescue Team was called in after a Minnesota Department of Natural Resources enforcement officer was hurt while removing an illegal deer stand.

Ground crews were unable to safely evacuate her due to the difficult terrain. As a result, a helicopter team and rescuers from the Saint Paul Fire Department carried out an aerial operation.

Using a hoist rescue, crews lifted the injured officer out of the rugged area and transported her to receive medical care.

Officer Annette Schlag is now safe at home and is expected to make a full recovery, following the coordinated response of all agencies involved.

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