In which scenario is a stokes litter typically utilized in aerial operations?

A stokes litter is specifically designed for the safe transport of patients, particularly in rescue operations involving heights or elevated positions. When fire crews are engaged in aerial operations, the challenge of reaching individuals in hard-to-access locations, such as on rooftops or in elevated terrains, necessitates specialized equipment for safe retrieval. The stokes litter allows rescuers to stabilize the patient and secure them for lowering or lifting from these challenging environments, minimizing the risk of further injury during extraction. This makes its use crucial in scenarios where individuals are stranded or in need of rescue from elevated positions, effectively highlighting why this is the correct application for a stokes litter in aerial operations.

The other options, while they involve important aspects of firefighting and rescue, do not align with the primary function of stokes litters. Assisting in fire suppression relates more to equipment like hoses and fire extinguishers. Transporting equipment to ground level is generally accomplished using various tools or ground vehicles, and connecting water supply lines pertains to establishing a water source for firefighting efforts rather than patient transport.