Teen aids first responders in Tripp Canyon rope rescue

A 42-year-old Monitor man suffered a medical emergency while riding dirt bikes in Tripp Canyon with his sons on Saturday. Assisting one of his sons in repositioning a bike on the hillside, the man reportedly became dizzy and fell. According to his son, he briefly lost consciousness before regaining awareness. The teen immediately called 911 and was able to direct rescuers to their location.

Chelan County first responders determined the pair were approximately 300 feet up a steep hillside, creating challenging access for emergency personnel. Medics on scene evaluated the patient and determined he was likely experiencing a heart-related medical issue.

Due to the difficult terrain, Chelan County Sheriff’s deputy Mike  McLeod, requested assistance from regional rope rescue teams from the Sheriff’s Office and Wenatchee Valley Fire. 

Fire personnel responded and worked alongside an ambulance crew and Cashmere firefighters to safely lower the patient down the hillside. The injured man was transported by UTV to a waiting ambulance and then taken to Central Washington Hospital for further evaluation and treatment.

The Sheriff’s Office would also like to recognize the quick actions of the man’s son, whose calm response and clear directions to dispatch helped responders locate the scene quickly.