On June 28, 2024, at 5:53 pm, West Yellowstone Police Department Dispatch received a 911 call from a group on a guided horseback trail ride after one of their riders had suffered a fall. The injured rider fell from their horse, hit their head, and was dragged by the horse for a short distance. The reporting party indicated that due to the rider’s injuries, the group felt it was best for the patient to stay in place and requested medical assistance. The patient was located 8 miles west of West Yellowstone, Montana near Buttermilk Trailhead.

Gallatin County Sheriff Search and Rescue (GCSSAR) volunteers from the West Yellowstone detachment, Hebgen Basin Rural Fire District, and Gallatin County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to the request for aid. It was determined the best and most efficient way for responders to assist would be through via use of a side-by-side utility vehicle. Hebgen Basin Rural Fire members responded to the patient via side by side and provided medical attention at the scene of the fall. The patient was transported on the side-by-side from the scene to a staged Hebgen Basin Ambulance for further assessment and treatment. The patient was later transported to Big Sky Medical Center for higher level care.

Gallatin County Sheriff Dan Springer would like to commend the individuals on the horseback ride for remaining calm, keeping the patient stationary, and providing accurate coordinates which allowed responders to make an efficient and hasty response.