EBS STAFF
On Wednesday afternoon, March 19, volunteers with Gallatin County Sheriff Search and Rescue responded to a snowmobile accident on Buck Ridge.
Two riders had struck a tree and were “seriously injured,” with one requiring medical helicopter, according to a GCSSAR press release. Sheriff’s deputies responded alongside search and rescue volunteers from the Big Sky section.
“When they arrived at the scene [of] the accident, they found one of the patients was in a deteriorating medical condition,” the release stated. Volunteers called for a LifeFlight medical helicopter to assist that victim, who was flown to Bozeman Health Deaconess Regional Medical Center.
The second victim, whose injuries were less severe, was transported by ground to the trailhead, where Big Sky Fire Department personnel transported them to the Bozeman Health Big Sky Regional Medical Center.
A group of volunteer firefighters and bystanders in the area provided “tremendous” assistance to GCSSAR volunteers, and Gallatin County Sheriff Dan Springer thanked them for jumping into action with their prior medical training to help other backcountry users in need.
“In addition, the injured snowmobilers were wearing all the appropriate equipment including full face helmets and goggles. Wearing the proper equipment for the sport likely prevented this terrible accident from having deadly consequences,” the release stated.
The same life-saving credit could be given to dedicated search and rescue volunteers whose response allowed the accident victims to receive urgent medical care.
