On Tuesday, June 30th, 2015, shortly before 10:00 pm, the Gallatin County Sheriff’s Search and Rescue, the Central Valley Fire Department, and an American Medical Response Ambulance responded to a backcountry rescue. A 27 year-old male and his girlfriend were hiking along the Gallatin River south of the Cameron Bridge Fishing access when he fell and sustained a debilitating ankle injury that left him unable to walk out of the area.
The victims clothing had become wet and he was suffering from being too cold. The couple had a cell phone with them, but it was inoperable after it had been exposed to the water. The girlfriend hiked back to their car and called for help.
Rescuers located the victim after a brief search. They provided first aid to the victim, including treating his injured ankle and putting him in a sleeping bag for warmth. Rescuers then transported the victim to the waiting ambulance via a specialized rescue sled.
Sheriff Gootkin would like to thank private landowners in the area for allowing rescuers access to their property. The access provided a shorter and safer egress route for both the victim and the rescuers.
