07/16/2026
***Multi-Agency Rescue in Ball Creek Canyon***
On July 15, 2026, Boundary Ambulance Medic 1 and Medic 10 were dispatched, along with other county agencies, to a report of a water truck that had rolled into Ball Creek Canyon.
While units were en route, responders were advised that a subject was entrapped and that their medical condition was unknown. Life Flight Network was requested and launched.
Boundary Ambulance Captain Minden coordinated with Boundary County OEM Thatcher to arrange for a helicopter capable of assisting with lift extraction. Boundary County Search and Rescue resources were also requested due to the potential need for rope-rescue operations.
Boundary Ambulance, the Boundary County Sheriff’s Office, and Forest Service Law Enforcement FS23 were the first responders to arrive on scene at 1218. They located the patient and found the reporting party, a co-worker of the patient, already down in the canyon with him. The truck and patient were approximately 75 to 80 yards down a very steep mountain slope.
BCSO Blackmore and Watts reached the patient first, followed closely by Captain Minden, who made initial medical contact at 1246. Rapid triage was performed, and medical care was initiated.
Responders were amazed to find that, despite significant dehydration from heat exposure and a considerable amount of pain, the patient had no immediate life-threatening injuries. However, both of their legs were pinned beneath the severely damaged truck cab, which had been torn from the chassis, as well as several large logs and other debris. Their primary injuries appeared to be localized to the lower extremities. The patient remained alert and oriented. He had reportedly been pinned for up to two hours before his co-worker located him and was able to call 911.
Before first responders arrived, the patient’s co-worker had already been working diligently to cut away logs. His heroic efforts helped expedite what was already a complex and technical extrication.
Idaho Forest Service ground crew personnel were the next to arrive. They provided an additional chainsaw and stabilization equipment and were instrumental throughout the extrication process.
Personnel from Hall Mountain Fire Department then arrived with additional extrication equipment, along with a firefighter from North Bench. With the assistance of HMFD and Idaho Forest Service personnel, responders carried the necessary equipment down into the canyon. The combined equipment included chainsaws, a Skilsaw, a Holmatro extrication tool, and other specialized equipment.
While rescue personnel worked to free the patient, Paramedic Minden continued to monitor and reassess him and provided ongoing treatment for dehydration and pain.
Boundary County Search and Rescue personnel and OEM Thatcher arrived later, bringing additional personnel, medical supplies from Medic 1, and rope-rescue equipment. A rope system was established in the event that the patient needed to be extricated up the hillside if helicopter rescue was unavailable.
OEM Thatcher successfully coordinated with the Idaho Department of Lands, which graciously provided a lift-capable helicopter and crew.
The patient was fully extricated at 1337, and packaging for egress began immediately. They were prepared for extraction by the IDL helicopter crew. Upon arrival, the IDL crew rappelled two personnel into the canyon. Through efficient teamwork, they completed the final packaging and secured the patient for transport.
With the patient secured, the IDL helicopter departed the canyon at 1358. The patient was flown to a landing-zone area near West Side Road and Ball Creek Road, where Medic 1 and the Life Flight crew were waiting. Patient care was then transferred to the Life Flight crew.
The total time from initial patient contact to departure aboard the IDL helicopter was 72 minutes.
The ambient temperature during the incident reached 103°F. Following the rescue, Boundary Ambulance provided medical rehabilitation to a couple of crew members who had worked tirelessly at the patient’s side.
Through the combined efforts of 10 agencies, responders were able to complete a dangerous and difficult rescue and save a life.
Boundary Ambulance extends its sincere thanks to every responding agency for its role in this complex rescue mission. We also thank the road-construction crew at the Kootenai Wildlife Refuge for escorting responding units safely and rapidly through the construction zone.
Special thanks are also extended to Ty Iverson for allowing his property to be used as a staging area and landing zone, and to Ty and the other bystanders who assisted with lifting and transferring the patient to Life Flight.
We are privileged to serve in a community whose members care for one another and generously give their time, property, skills, and resources when others are in need.
