SAR aides injured skier on Tumalo Mountain

Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue personnel came to the aid of an injured 24-year-old man on Tumalo Mountain on New Year’s Day.

According to Deputy Shane Zook, assistant search and rescue coordinator, Deschutes County Dispatch received a 911 call at about 8:30 a.m. regarding an injured skier on the east side of Tumalo Mountain. A deputy made phone contact with the reporting person, who informed the deputy that the injured male would need assistance to get out to the parking lot at Dutchman Flat Sno-Park.

Twelve search and rescue volunteers, two seasonal deputies on snowmobiles, and one special services deputy responded to the call. The volunteers consisted of six volunteers on snowmobiles and six volunteers on skis. The two teams traveled different routes to the injured skier. Search and rescue volunteers reached the man at about 11:35 a.m.

Members of the medical team assessed the males physical condition and provided aid that enabled the man to ride out on a snowmobile. The man was walked down to awaiting snowmobiles at the bottom of the east slope of Tumalo Mountain.

The snowmobile team provided him with a ride out to the Dutchman Flat Sno-Park. He stated he did not need any further medical assistance.