On Monday, January 10, 2022 at 10:08 am, the West Yellowstone Police Department Dispatch Center received a 911 call from a group of snowmobilers reporting that one of their group had struck a tree and possibly suffered a broken femur.  The patient was getting cold and in pain but otherwise stable.

Volunteers from the Gallatin County Sheriff Search and Rescue in West Yellowstone, Custer Gallatin National Forest Service, Yellowstone National Park, and Hebgen Basin Rural Fire District responded the scene, approximately 5 miles West of West Yellowstone to assist with the rescue.

Once on scene, rescuers ascertained the patient had suffered a compound femur fracture along with other fractures to both legs. Due to the severity of the patient’s injuries, the decision was made to request assistance from an Air Methods Helicopter which transported the snowmobiler to Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center for treatment.

Gallatin County Sheriff Dan Springer would like to remind snowmobilers to be cognizant of changing trail conditions and to ride within their abilities.

Photos courtesy of Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office.