What higher act of service is there than risking one's life to save another? Who can put a price on a life saved?
Because of the skills and courage of those involved in rescue work, they can make a difference that in some cases borders on life and death.Danger, unfortunately, is a constant companion on their journeys, and at times factors combine to make it so great that tragedy results.
Such was the case Sunday night when three brave people climbed aboard a medical helicopter to rescue a skier who had been badly injured in an avalanche in Little Cottonwood Canyon.
Battling strong winds, heavy snow, thunder and lightning, they flew to their destination. The conditions were terrible, but then so was the condition of David Anderson, 43, Sandy, who had two broken legs. He needed immediate help.
And so, pilot Stan Berg, 48, Roy; paramedic Tim Hynes, 45, Midvale; and nurse Shayne Carnahan, 32, Clinton, along with Salt Lake County Search and Rescue volunteers, provided it. The three in the helicopter were able to overcome the adverse conditions and land at Snowbird Ski Resort. In the meantime the search and rescue volunteers used snowmobiles, skis and snowshoes to reach Anderson and transport him to the helicopter.
The plan was to take him to University Hospital. But just seconds after taking off, the University of Utah Hospital AirMed helicopter slammed into the side of the canyon killing all on board.
The cause of the crash is being investigated. Undoubtedly severe weather conditions played a large, if not the major, part in the accident.
Whatever the cause, the result is the same: four deaths. The tragedy serves as a reminder that whenever danger is involved nothing can be taken for granted. Certainly not rescue missions.
Their deaths are not in vain. They, as all rescue workers, know the risks. Yet they're willing to take them to serve their fellow humans. Fortunately there are enough people of their caliber to continue the valuable service of air rescues.
That support and the support of various search and rescue volunteer operations make it possible for people like Anderson, who was a victim of one of nature's surprises, to enjoy the outdoors. Skiers, snowmobilers and hikers know that if they are victims of an avalanche or get lost, there are people like Berg, Hynes and Carnahan willing to put their lives on the line if need be to provide assistance.
Most of the time it's just their services, not their lives, that are required.
Stan Berg, Tim Hynes, Shayne Carnahan and people like them merit our profound thanks.