By Aidan Mortensen | KOAL News | Photo’s courtesy of the Emery County Sheriff’s Office

During the afternoon hours of Monday, Jan. 12, the Emery County Dispatch Center received a call from a man in the Calf Canyon area in the San Rafael Swell who had wrecked and was trapped underneath a side-by-side ATV. Thanks to quick thinking by members of the Emery County Sheriff’s Office and Elements, a local wilderness group, the individual was rescued. 

“Deputy (Jeremey) Lake was already working in the area and rushed to the scene. When he arrived, he found that Elements, a local wilderness group, was already helping the victim. The boys from Elements and their leaders were able to get side-by-side off the man and start first aid,” reads a statement from Emery County Sheriff Tyson Huntington.

Deputy Lake, alongside Division of Natural Resource Officers and members of the Emery County Search and Rescue team, joined with the wilderness group in assisting the victim. Circumstances were severe enough that a medical helicopter was dispatched to the scene.

Due to the remote nature of the area and the time of year the incident occurred, Huntington spoke on the rarity that both the wilderness group and an ECSO deputy were so close,” The odds of people and an ECSO deputy being so close are not great, yet for some reason people were there and were capable of helping.”

Sheriff Huntington also sang the praises of Elements for their actions at the scene: “I want to say you probably saved a man’s life. You selflessly worked together to serve another. That is great – be proud of yourselves. Please know of my immense gratitude for your actions.”

This incident comes at a time when state park officials are encouraging extra diligence as people prepare to explore the outdoors. In a recent social media post from Goblin Valley State Park, officials remind outdoor enthusiasts to plan, know their route, pack essential items like extra clothing, water, and snacks and keep an eye on emerging weather patterns.

“A reminder to all to please be safe and prepared when you are out recreating,” closes Huntington’s remarks.