Home / Disasters and Accidents / Paramedic Rappels, Volunteer Runs Miles for Injured Climber
Paramedic Rappels, Volunteer Runs Miles for Injured Climber
2 Sep
Summary
- A climber fell 20 feet, hitting a rock pillar after a lead fall.
- A volunteer ran 1.5 miles with whole blood to stabilize the injured climber.
- A helicopter airlifted the climber to Charlotte for medical treatment.
Emergency crews responded to a serious incident on Shortoff Mountain on Sunday afternoon, where a hiker had fallen approximately 20 feet. The climber, identified as Jacob Gregory, was placing gear when the fall occurred, causing him to strike an adjacent rock pillar. Paramedics were first on the scene, rappelling down to assess his condition.
Critical care was needed, prompting a request for whole blood. In a remarkable display of dedication, a volunteer from Burke Rescue ran 1.5 miles, overcoming 1,000 feet of elevation in just 31 minutes, to deliver the necessary blood for stabilization. The steep and remote location necessitated an air rescue.
A North Carolina Helo-Aquatic Rescue Team's helicopter, "Kill Devil 244," was utilized to lift the injured climber off the mountain. He was subsequently transported to Charlotte for advanced medical treatment. The successful operation involved a coordinated effort from two dozen agencies, emphasizing the courage and teamwork required to save Jacob Gregory's life.
