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Wanda Hofstetter took a terrible fall into a big pile of large rocks during our 2003 spring Death Valley trip. Collapsed lung, broken back and ribs, multiple bruises, bangs, and scratches. We had to helicopter her out of the desert back country. It would have been a lot worse had my brother, Dale, the doctor not been along. Of course, all of us jumped in to make her comfortable (and to pack her on a back board to the copter, many sage brush clumps away).
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Del's portable toilet tent from ThePett system, proved to be a life saving shelter from harsh desert sun. We can't say Wanda was exactly comfortable, but at least she had shade. My brother the doc did not want her moved from the comfy pile of rocks she landed in. |
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There's nothing like watching well-trained emergency workers in the field...the copter crew from the Vegas hospital were awesome. Brother Dale climbed a mountain to get cell coverage to call them in. We landed them then hauled the stretcher thru brush and rocks to get to Wanda. Dale supervised the whole operation. |
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Wanda, in a neck brace and duct tape is in good hands from the Mercy Air crew. The paramedics were awesome and Doc Dale was pleased with their abilities. |
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Wanda got a short ride in the Scout, then we packed her across the desert to the waiting copter from Mercy Air.
"Big Mike" Nelson on the left, brother Dale the doc, next to him. Dale's actions saved Wanda's life. Wanda still gives him big hugs. :) |
| Sims Flat for Mom and Dad | Fishing Shots (Michael too) |
| Wanda Hofstetter Gets Wounded | A Few Moab Images |
| Death Valley 2003 Trip | Miscellaneous |
