Search & Rescue Busy On President’s Day Weekend

Sheriff’s Search and Rescue Units were called into service twice so far today for what is usually a busy Presidents Day weekend in the South of Gallatin County.

At 1:30 p.m., the West Yellowstone Police Department received a report of an injured cross country skier on the Rendezvous Ski Trail near West Yellowstone.

Personnel from the West Yellowstone division of Sheriff’s Search and Rescue with a Sheriff’s Deputy responded to the rescue.

Rescuers responded on snowmobiles and when they arrived on scene they found a 58-year-old female from Idaho Falls, Idaho, with a broken wrist.

At 2:44 p.m., the West Yellowstone Police Department received a report of an injured snowmobiler on the Old Airport, which is on the west edge of West Yellowstone.

SAR personnel this time with the assistance of Yellowstone National Park Rangers, responded. Rescuers responded on snowmobiles and a special tracked ATV.

When they arrived on scene they found a 38-year-old male from Forsyth, Montana, who had lost control of his snowmobile, was ejected, and suffered a head injury. The snowmobiler’s helmet had flown off during the accident because the chin strap was not secured.

He was packaged onto the rescue sled and  taken to Bozeman Deaconess Hospital.

Sheriff Gootkin says that this is traditionally a busy weekend for Deputies and Rescuers and that back country users should take extra precautions because of the number of people using the great things this county has to offer.

Wear all your safety gear and wear it correctly. Let someone know where you are going and when you expect to be back. Know your limitations and the limitations of your equipment. Know the terrain and if you have an emergency call for help early.