COV Press Release

Valdez, AK – Valdez Fire Department backcountry rescue team responded to reports of an injured and unconscious hiker near Worthington Glacier, Saturday.

At approximately 11:31 a.m. on Saturday, September 10th, Valdez Fire and Police Dispatch received a call for assistance at Worthington Glacier for a 42-year old male unconscious after falling from a ridge while hiking.

Multiple response units, led by the Valdez Fire Department backcountry search and rescue team, responded to the area. Upon arrival at the scene, responders were advised the man had been hiking the left ridge trail above the glacier when he slid and fell approximately 250 to 300 feet. The man appeared to have been hiking alone and had multiple injuries, including skull and leg fractures.

During episodes of consciousness, the man, a visitor from Germany, stated the fall happened around 8:30 a.m. that morning. A group of hikers heard him scream and notified the Fire Department. Two physicians in the group provided initial stabilization until the VFD backcountry rescue team arrived on scene and began advanced life support care.

In just over an hour, responders transported the man in a Stokes basket approximately one and a half miles down the scree field on the left side of the glacier. Eighteen people on scene assisted with carrying the man, including Valdez Fire and Police Department personnel, Levitation 49 members, and individuals from the hiking party.

Once in the parking lot near the glacier, responders conducted further stabilization and assessment of the patient. A U.S. Coast Guard MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter arrived on scene within 15 minutes and transported the man to Providence Anchorage Medical Center for further care.

The incident remains under investigation.

Posted September 12, 2016

Allie Ferko, Public Information Officer

City of Valdez, Alaska