IRON COUNTY, Utah, Sept. 30, 2019 (Gephardt Daily) — An injured hiker scared a bear away while he was waiting to be rescued after falling 200 feet in a remote area in northeastern Iron County Friday.
Cedar Communications received a call just before 7:15 p.m. from a 51-year-old hiker who said he had fallen and broken his ankle near Little Creek Peak, said a news release on Facebook from Iron County Sheriff’s Office.
The victim, Brian Cummins, reported he had fallen down a hillside approximately 200 feet, the news release said. He also had several prior medical issues which were of concern to emergency crews.
Emergency responders arrived on location at around 11:40 p.m. after hiking about four miles of rugged terrain and with the assistance of K-9 officer Carlo.
“Crews found Cummins in poor health and immediately began to treat his injuries which included head, back and ankle injuries,” the news release said.
“While treating the victim it was determined Cummins had been hiking down the steep hillside when he stepped on a rock, which gave way. The victim fell forward with the rock and began to roll and tumble down the hillside approximately 200 feet.”
Once he stopped rolling he realized his ankle was hurting and would not be able to continue hiking out. Cummins began to crawl the 200 feet back to the top of the hill to gain cell phone service. He remained at that location until emergency responders were able to access him.
The victim was not dressed for the cold conditions and was beginning to suffer from the exposure to the cold temperature in the higher elevation, the news release said.
While on the phone with Cedar Communications awaiting assistance, it became apparent to dispatchers that Cummins’ injuries were more severe than he self-reported due to his responses.
“The victim reported he had seen a small bear approach him but was able to get it away from it by throwing items at it,” the news release said. “Rescuers responding to the area later located nearby bear tracks.”
Due to the remote area, the Utah Department of Public Safety helicopter was called to assist using their hoist capabilities. At 11:55 p.m., the DPS helicopter arrived in the area and began to lower personnel to the victim. He was hoisted into the helicopter and transported to the awaiting ambulance. He was transported to Cedar City Hospital in serious condition and has since been released from the hospital.
Rescue personnel were able to hike back out of the area at approximately 3 a.m.
Multiple agencies assisted in the rescue including the Division of Wildlife, Iron County Sheriff’s deputies, Iron County Search and Rescue, Gold Cross ambulance and a representative from the Iron County Attorney’s Office who was on a ride-along with DWR when the call was dispatched.
