CBSAR assists with rescue of injured mountain biker last weekend

Rider flown to GJ by helicopter from 409 ½

[ by Mark Reaman ]

Crested Butte Search and Rescue were called into action for a major mountain bike accident on Sunday, May 17. A 49-year-old Crested Butte man injured himself riding 409 ½ and was about a mile-and-a-half into the trail.

The call came in at 10:57 a.m. and CBSAR responded with 17 members. Due the reported injury, a broken femur, CBSAR also immediately called in a helicopter for assistance.

“As the team was hiking in, CareFlight 4 was able to land at a small clearing just off the trail about three-quarters of a mile to the patient,” said CBSAR president Randy Felix. “On scene, the patient was assessed by medical professionals, and it was determined that due to the severity of the injury, a helicopter flight was warranted.”

The patient was packaged into a litter and wheeled down the trail to the helicopter. CareFlight 4 flew the patient to Grand Junction for medical care.

“It was a straightforward call for us but due to the injury, we had a sense of urgency,” Felix said. “Our goal was to get to the patient as quickly as possible, treat the patient, evacuate the patient and get the patient to definitive medical care as quickly and safely as possible. Our team did an excellent job coming together quickly and providing a great response.”

Crested Buute EMS chief Rob Weisbaum said the rescue team was out of the field by 3:15 p.m. “We are grateful that the local patient is now recovering. We also extend our appreciation to the members of CBSAR and the CBFPD for their outstanding response and teamwork,” he said. “The collaborative efforts of our agencies continue to provide exceptional skill, coordination, and patient care for our community.”