MISSOULA – Emergency crews rescued a paraglider who was seen crashing near the top of the south peak of Mount Sentinel at about 2 p.m. Monday.
According to Missoula Fire Department Battalion Chief Dave Wolter, Missoula Fire responded to the scene with three crews and a command vehicle to evaluate and access the patient, who was located near the top of the mountain in a timbered ravine.
Missoula Emergency Services and Lolo National Forest law enforcement officers were also dispatched.
Firefighters called in Lifeflight Network because of the remote location and distance up the mountain. Lifeflight located a landing spot and personnel reached the patient to begin treatment.
An off-duty MFD firefighter was in the area and guided Lifeflight and a fire crew in to stabilize, treat and move the patient 500 yards to the awaiting helicopter on the ridge top.
Wolter said the patient was listed as being stable with possible back injuries. The patient was flown to St. Patrick Hospital.
