On Friday February 25, 2022 at 4:30 pm, Gallatin County Sheriff Search and Rescue in West Yellowstone responded to a request for assistance from a snowmobiler on the South Fork Trail, 7 miles southwest of town. An individual riding a snowmobile left the trail and crashed into a tree, suffering head and facial injuries.

SAR Volunteers, Custer Gallatin National Forest Law Enforcement and an EMT from the Hebgen Basin Fire Department responded with a specialized rescue sled and were able to treat the patient on scene before transporting off the trail and to a nearby ambulance. The patient was transferred over to the Hebgen Basin Fire Department EMS crew for further medical evaluation and was then transported to the Big Sky Medical Center.

Sheriff Dan Springer would like to remind everyone out enjoying the trails and backcountry that trail conditions can change rapidly and accidents happen quickly. Wearing proper riding gear, including a helmet, can save your life.

Photos courtesy of Gallatin County Sheriff's Office.