A local firefighter is being credited with saving the life of a teenager, who was stranded on a mountain in New Mexico last month.
On Friday, July 23, Greenville Firefighter Colby Estes was vacationing with his family in Red River, New Mexico, hiking at Wheeler Peak.
After a nearly four-hour hike to the summit, Estes and his party started back down due to threatening weather. On the way down, Estes witnessed a 14-year-old girl falling approximately 40 feet down the mountain.
Estes went back up the mountain to the girl and started to assess her injuries. The teenager thought she was fine and tried to get up and walk, but Estes and his brother-in-law advised her otherwise. The patient started becoming lethargic and was difficult to keep awake.
A rescue team was notified, but was unable to reach the girl due to the location on the mountain and the developing hailstorm. Estes and his brother-in-law were able to make a stretcher out of ski poles and jackets, load the teenager up, and carry her down the mountain.
After descending the mountainside for seven hours, Estes and his brother-in-law met a rescue unit, who took over patient care and flew the girl to an Albuquerque, N.M. trauma center.
After Estes and his family returned to Texas from their vacation, they spoke with the mother of the teenager who informed them that her daughter was doing well and recovering from her injuries.
“It was one of the toughest things I’ve ever done,” Estes said. “I’m just glad she’s okay.”
Fire Chief Doug Caison added, “It doesn’t surprise me. Colby is one of the best we have. If I were injured and stuck on a mountain, he would be one of the guys I’d pick to come get me.”
Estes will be recognized for his heroic efforts at the Greenville City Council Meeting next Tuesday.
Local News
August 4, 2010
Local firefighter rescues teen girl
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