ST. GEORGE — A 47-year-old man was airlifted to the hospital after he was thrown from his mountain bike and fell several feet before hitting the ground Saturday.
At approximately 2 p.m. emergency personnel were dispatched to the Little Creek Mesa area near Apple Valley where a man was reportedly injured while biking with a group of riders from out of state, Chief Kevin Barlow, of Hilldale/Colorado City Fire and rescue, said.
The man was navigating through a rocky area when he hit something and was suddenly thrown from the bike, Barlow said.
As the man went over the handlebars he was thrown off the trail and down an embankment before landing several feet below, cracking his helmet on impact.
Two members in the group of riders were EMT’s and helped to stabilize the man while rescuers made their way to the site.
“That man was very fortunate,” the chief said, “the EMT’s helped him right after the crash, and rendered aid while the team made their way to him.”
Classic Air Medical was also dispatched to the area from the company’s heliport in Kanab, along with two ambulances that responded and remained nearby, Barlow said. The Washington County Search and Rescue team were also called and placed on standby in case additional help was needed.
“With that area being so remote and difficult to reach,” Barlow said, “we wanted to make sure we had a ‘plan B’ in place in case we needed it.”
Firefighters and emergency medical personnel from Colorado City Fire and Rescue and Hurricane Valley Fire District made their way through the remote area until they reached the injured rider.
Once on scene, the man told rescuers he had injuries to his shoulder and back area, while emergency personnel noticed a cracked bicycle helmet lying nearby, the chief said.
The man was transported to Dixie Regional Medical Center in stable condition.
Hilldale/Colorado City Fire and Rescue and Hurricane Valley Fire District responded and assisted with the rescue that was completed by 4:30 p.m.
This report is based on preliminary information provided by law enforcement or first responders and may not contain the full scope of findings.
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