On July 22, 2023, at 7:16am Gallatin County Dispatch received a 911 call for a person who had suffered an ankle injury while descending the steep side of the College ‘M’ Trail. The injured party was unable to walk down the trail and requested assistance from Gallatin County Sheriff Search and Rescue (GCSSAR).

Gallatin County Search and Rescue volunteers from the Valley Section, AMR, and the Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office responded to the trailhead. A hasty team was deployed and made contact with the patient and determined the injured party would not be able to walk without assistance. GCSSAR members, some with specific alpine skills, packaged the patient in a one wheeled litter and then safely lowered them down to the trailhead using a low angle rope system.

Sheriff Springer would like to remind hikers that even adventures on popular trails, such as the College ‘M’ Trail, can go differently than planned. Hiking with a partner, having a communication device, and packing appropriate clothing and gear for changing conditions is always good practice.