Search and rescue teams rescued a person who was experiencing severe abdominal pain and was unable to move in Pitkin County on Saturday.

According to Mountain Rescue Aspen (MRA), the Pitkin County Regional Emergency Dispatch Center received a 911 call reporting a person experiencing severe abdominal pain and unable to move.

MRA had already been at the CB Cameron Rescue Center after completing a previous mission near Capitol Peak, and was alerted to the new mission. Flight for Life was also still at the Aspen Airport after assisting with the previous mission, and was requested for assistance again.

MRA said that multiple rescuers deployed by foot and ATV to get to the subject. A flight crew also flew directly to the coordinates of the injured person, and the helicopter was able to land about one-half mile below the subject. Rescuers were then able to hike up the trail to the patient and transport them down to the helicopter with the help of some bystanders on scene.

The patient was flown to receive further care at Valley View Hospital.

According to MRA, this was the team’s fourth request in a 24-hour stretch.

MRA took the incident as a chance to remind backcountry recreationists that one of the most important backcountry skills is “knowing when to turn around.” MRA also reminded backcountry users that if weather conditions worsen, daylight is fading, the route becomes more difficult than expected or someone is becoming fatigued, turning around is usually the safest option. Remember to pace yourself, take regular breaks, stay hydrated, and pay attention to symptoms like headache, dizziness or shortness of breath.

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