Search and Rescue uses helicopter to save injured skiers in Bridger Range

EBS STAFF 

A pair of skiers called Gallatin County 911 on Sunday at 11:23 a.m., after suffering injuries on “The Great One” couloir, southeast of Sacagawea Peak in the Bridger Range.  

One skier suffered an injured shoulder, and the other suffered a compound fracture on one arm, rendering both skiers unable to descend safely, according to a June 17 press release from Gallatin County.  

Responding parties included Gallatin County Sheriff’s deputies, and volunteers with Gallatin County Sheriff Search and Rescue. Rescuers determined that two trips using short-haul helicopter rescue would be the best course of action, carrying the pair to an ambulance waiting at the nearby Battle Ridge trailhead.  

“GCSSAR volunteers from the helicopter short-haul team were inserted near the injured skiers and were able to access the subjects,” the press release stated. “GCSSAR volunteers conducted medical evaluations and provided first aid for the injuries before preparing the pair for extraction.” 

One skier’s injuries required ambulance transport to Bozeman Health Deaconess Regional Medical Center, and the second skier was driven to the same hospital by Sheriff’s deputies.  

“Sheriff [Dan] Springer would like to remind all who recreate in the backcountry that cell phone reception is not always available; and especially when engaging in high risk or extreme sports, having the means to contact emergency services is crucial,” the release stated. Poor cell phone reception complicated part of the rescue.  

“A GPS paging capability like a Garmin inReach or similar is strongly encouraged. Furthermore, this is a reminder that it is not a good idea to recreate alone, having a friend around to call for help and stop the bleeding saves lives,” Springer stated.