NewsMissoula County

Actions

Paraglider rescued, hospitalized after Mount Sentinel crash

Posted at 5:15 PM, Apr 01, 2019
and last updated 2019-04-01 19:15:40-04
MTN News file image.

MISSOULA – Emergency crews rescued a paraglider who was seen crashing near the top of the south peak of Mount Sentinel at about 2 p.m. Monday.

According to  Missoula Fire Department Battalion Chief Dave Wolter, Missoula Fire responded to the scene with three crews and a command vehicle to assess and access the patient, who was located near the top of the mountain in a timbered ravine. Missoula Emergency Services and the Lolo National Forest LEO were also
dispatched.

Firefighters called in Lifeflight Network because of the remote location and distance up on the mountain. Lifeflight was able to locate a landing spot and get personnel to the patient to begin treatment.

An off-duty MFD firefighter was up in the area and able to guide Lifeflight and a MFD crew in to stabilize, treat and move the patient 500 yards to the awaiting helicopter on the ridge top.

Wolter says the patient was listed as being stable with possible back injuries and was flown to St Pats Hospital.