“Colorado Army National Guard has accepted the mission.” Those were the words that came over Ruth’s radio as she called base for the morning check-in. The excitement on the mountain was palpable. Not only had survived the night, but now I had a first class ticket off the mountain. It was close to 7 AM…
Continue reading: Travis’ Accident Part 2: Flight In The Black Hawk
Share your questions, experiences, and thoughts below.
Actually, the exact quote was "I got to ride in a Blackhawk and you didn't. HAHAHAHA!"
Very cool. It is nice to see my company's product shown to be put to good use. Not to nit, but, technically, it is BLACK HAWK, not Black Hawk.
Can you write a little bit more about the booking process - how much did this flight cost and which currency did you use to pay for it? Also, if the flight was paid for by someone else, I think you need to add a disclaimer to your review. 🙂
so glad this story had a happy ending. and jealous of the black hawk ride! here's to a speedy full recovery.
I too am curious how much a SAR effort like this charges, and did you put it on a points-earning card?
Your story is truly amazing and I'm very glad you're ok ans made it home to your family. Big kudos to your wife! Having two kiddos myself, I can't imagine having my husband on crutches and unable to help keep the order in the house!
Ouray Mountain Rescue Team, like most search and rescue, is a non-profit volunteer organization that is supported by donations and state funds like COSAR. So there is no fee.
http://www.colorado.gov/cs/Satellite/DOLA-Main/CBON/1251592090523
HAATS also does not charge for their assistance. I think I read a quote from CWO Girouard , the lead instructor and my pilot, saying that 'if they charged, nobody would request their assistance. And then they'd just end up doing body recoveries, instead of rescues.'
The life flight heli to the hospital did have a hefty bill. Good insurance is on my list of things to be thankful for this year!
Thanks for sharing your experience. Sorry you had to go through this, but it was very interesting to read about.
I listened to this rescue on the radio (I'm a Ouray County volunteer medic, and the county's communications guy), so it's really interesting to read "the other side" of the story. Thanks for writing it up, and to OMAAT for hosting it.
Thanks for the report Travis. Hilarious take on your flights. Glad you are safe.
Peace out.
RB: When I told Steve 'I wanted a million dollar book deal like that guy in Canyonlands', it was a reference to Aron Ralston's story and the subsequent movie '127 hours'..... Steve told me I would have to cut my leg off though, and that kind of soured me on the idea. 🙂
Travis, this is one hell of a story! First, we're glad you're expected to make a full recovery! Second, as a rescue who did everything right and still needed help, we'd love to republish your story on our website and in our year-in-review magazine. We in the Colorado National Guard have a great relationship with our civilian partners, and this story is an example of that synergy -- about the importance of those relationships and how they impact our community in such a positive manner. What do you say?
Travis - great story!
Have you considered investing in a Spot Beacon? http://www.findmespot.com/en/
I always keep one in my pack no matter where I am so no need to worry about cell reception.
Sir, We or I have lost the complete story and can only access the first part. I was the Hoist operator on the Blackhawk that day. I thought I had a copy of the entire story but lost it on computer upgrade. If there is any way that someone still has the transcripts I would really appreciate a copy. Glad we were able to help so glad you are doing well.
Thomas - if you still need the story, please send me an email at amy dot L dot simpkins at gmail. ~Travis's wife