EMERY COUNTY, Utah, June 7, 2025 (Gephardt Daily) -- Emergency crews responded to Goblin Valley State Park earlier this week after a 12-year-old visitor fell and suffered a severe leg injury.
The incident was reported just before 6 p.m. Thursday.
"Emery County Dispatch Center received a text to 911 advising of a 12-year-old who had fallen and possibly had a broken leg inside the Goblin Valley State Park," an Emery County Sheriff statement says.
"Green River Ambulance and an ECSO Deputy were immediately dispatched to the incident. A request was made for emergency responders from the State Park to respond and help assess the patient until EMS could arrive."
State Park rangers arrived and "confirmed that the 12-year-old had a broken femur and was in stable condition. Due to the traumatic injury, a Classic Air Medical helicopter was requested to respond to the scene."
An ECSO deputy and Grill River EMS arrived, and "the patient was able to be stabilized and packaged to be carried out to the ambulance," the Sheriff's Office statement says.
"It was discovered that the patient was climbing on rocks in the area known as Valley Of The Goblins and fell approximately six to eight feet causing the injury.
Due to the unpredictable weather in the area, Classic Air Medical advised they were not sure if they could make it to the scene. Assistance was requested from a UHP Trooper and another ECSO Deputy to help locate an alternate landing zone along Highway 24.
"Luckily, the weather lightened up and Classic Air Medical was able to respond directly to the State Park. The patient was transferred to the flight team and transported to Primary Children’s for further care."
The Sheriff's Office said it was grateful for its strong working relationship with crews from area agencies.
"A huge thank you goes out to the Goblin Valley State Park Rangers, Green River EMTs, Classic Air Medical, Utah Highway Patrol, Emery County Sheriff’s Office, and anyone else who stepped up to help in this time of need."
