Dear Editor,

I would like to offer sincere gratitude and thanks to the DU off road club for their assistance in a backcountry rescue on Sunday, Aug. 27. The off road club assisted in carrying a patient down a backcountry mountain trail that both the Eagle County ambulance and Vail mountain rescue could only access by ATV. Because the patient was unable to walk or ride on the back of an ATV, we were facing an extrication that would have taken hours. This option was not ideal considering it was late in the day, beginning to rain and the temperature had significantly dropped. The incident happened at approximately 10,000 feet. As we prepared to carry the patient down the mountain the off-road club drove by and offered assistance. Although they were headed in the opposite direction they agreed to load the patient, paramedic and EMT into the jeep and drive them to the ambulance. It was explained that the patient was in pain and we needed to limit movement as much as possible. Peter Belsky drove us down the steep, rutted, potholed dirt road with precision and grace. Their skill allowed us to provide patient care and lessen the pain and discomfort of the patient. Please recognize the club as community servants as they are positive representatives of DU and talented ambassadors of their sport.

Lauren Egan EMT – B Eagle County Health Service District