At approximately 10:15 a.m. Thursday, Deschutes County 911 was contacted by a third-party monitoring service that had received an automated crash notification from a cell phone application belonging to a snowmobile crash victim. Moments later, a second call was placed to 911 by a witness, reporting that two individuals had suffered significant injuries after crashing a snowmobile into a tree.
Utilizing electronic data from the crash notification service and information provided by the witness, Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue (SAR) volunteers were deployed to the scene. The crash occurred near Mile Post 17.5 on Century Drive, along Snowmobile Trail 25.
SAR teams located a 51-year-old man and his 14-year-old daughter, both from Portland, who had sustained serious injuries while riding a rental snowmobile. SAR Medics quickly stabilized both patients and requested an air ambulance for transport. AirLink was dispatched to assist.
Using the DCSO Search and Rescue “Snow-Bulance,” the injured individuals were transported to an awaiting Bend Fire Department ambulance. The 51-year-old man was then flown via AirLink to St. Charles Health System — Bend, while his daughter was transported by Bend Fire ambulance to the same facility for further medical care.
“This incident highlights the importance of emergency notification technology and the rapid response capabilities of our Search and Rescue teams,” said Deschutes County Sheriff Kent Vander Kamp. “Our SAR volunteers, 911 Dispatchers, and emergency medical partners worked seamlessly to ensure this family received the urgent care they needed. Most importantly, when renting snowmobiles or other motorized recreational vehicles, always get proper use instructions and drive within your capabilities and experience.”
The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office reminds outdoor enthusiasts always to exercise caution when recreating in the backcountry, carry emergency communication devices when possible, share your routes with others, and dress accordingly.
