Ketchum Fire Department Performs Backcountry Rescue

KETCHUM, Idaho – On Tuesday, Feb. 25, Ketchum and Sun Valley Fire Departments responded to a call for the rescue of an injured skier. The injury took place on the slopes of Hyndman Peak, near the Pioneer yurt. A paramedic from Ketchum Fire Department was flown in by helicopter and landed near the skier and extracted her without incident.

A higher number than average ski injuries have occurred this season due to infrequent snowfall and firm conditions. The Blaine County Ambulance District has a “call-when-needed” contract with Sun Valley Heli-Ski, which has assisted on three backcountry rescues this season.

“The availability of the helicopter really helps keep our rescuers safe,” said City of Ketchum Fire Chief Bill McLaughlin. “We can get in and get the victim out much more quickly than we can on foot.”

The helicopter extraction was backed up by a snowmobile and ski team staged at the trailhead, ready in case the helicopter was not able to land.

“It takes a big team. We’ll have 10 to 20 firefighters and paramedics involved, sheriff’s deputies, search and rescue, avalanche forecasters and even the medical director out in the field,” said McLaughlin. “It’s great to see the cooperation and focus on getting the patient out quickly and safely”.