Helicopter flown to Cement Creek last week for medical emergency

Walrod lot accommodated the chopper

by Mark Reaman

Crested Butte Fire Protection District EMTs were dispatched to the Summer Home Site subdivision up Cement Creek on Thursday, June 11 around 8:30 a.m. for what appeared as a serious medical event.

According to CBFPD EMS and Fire chief Rob Weisbaum, upon the crew’s arrival, they determined the 57-year-old male patient was potentially a complex medical patient needing transport to a higher-level hospital. While the patient was being stabilized, a Careflight helicopter was launched to the scene and landed in the parking area across from the Walrod Gulch trail.

“Luckily, the lot was empty and our team, along with law enforcement was able to secure the site, land the helicopter and transfer patient care,” he said. “This is important for our team because it can allow for a quicker transfer of care while minimizing the risks of transporting to a landing zone further away. The good news is that the patient was stable as the helicopter transported the patient.”