VideoGist - Hiking Accident Survivor interview-Kevin

Hiking Accident Survivor interview-Kevin

Soft White Underbelly

39 min, 2 sec

Kevin shares his harrowing experience of being crushed by a boulder and his subsequent rescue and recovery.

Summary

Kevin, originally from Lagrangeville, New York, now lives a nomadic life out of his van.
He recounts a rock climbing accident that occurred two months prior, where a massive boulder crushed him while rock hounding in the Inyo Mountains, California.
Trapped for 7-8 hours, Kevin reflects on life, survival, and is eventually rescued by a search and rescue team and airlifted to a hospital for emergency surgery.
He sustains a severed artery and a cracked pelvis but maintains his life and the ability to walk after 10 surgeries.
The experience profoundly impacts Kevin, giving him a new perspective on life and a deep appreciation for emergency responders and medical professionals.

Chapter 1

0:00 - 26 sec

Kevin introduces himself and discusses his nomadic lifestyle and how his love for hiking led to his accident.

Kevin is originally from Lagrangeville, New York, but currently lives out of his van.
He enjoys hiking, rock climbing, and being in the mountains, which is integral to his story of the accident.

Chapter 2

0:27 - 2 min, 17 sec

Kevin details the day of the accident, the rock hounding adventure, and the moment the boulder crushed him.

The accident happened about 10 weeks prior to the interview, on a beautiful day perfect for rock hounding.
Kevin and his friend, despite his friend being sick, went to a remote area in the Inyo Mountains for their adventure.
While digging under a massive boulder, it shifted and crushed Kevin, pinning him to the ground.

Chapter 3

2:44 - 2 min, 37 sec

Kevin shares his thoughts during the accident, the struggle to survive, and the actions taken to secure the boulder.

Kevin recalls feeling like he was in a dream and acknowledged the possibility of death.
He experiences a range of emotions and thoughts about life, family, and regrets.
His friend uses a pickaxe to prevent the boulder from crushing Kevin further while they wait for rescue.

Chapter 4

5:21 - 21 min, 10 sec

Kevin describes the rescue operation, his airlift to the hospital, and the medical procedures that followed.

Inyo County Search and Rescue responds to the accident, and Kevin is airlifted to a trauma center in Fresno.
He undergoes emergency surgery to repair a severed artery and is informed of his pelvic fractures.
Kevin expresses immense gratitude to the rescue team and medical staff for saving his life and leg.

Chapter 5

26:31 - 12 min, 24 sec

Kevin reflects on the lessons learned, the importance of preparedness, and his newfound respect for life.

The experience teaches Kevin the value of life and the importance of expressing love to family and friends.
He contemplates future goals, such as running a marathon and possibly joining a rescue team.
Kevin's recovery involves multiple surgeries and the ongoing process of regaining sensation in his injured leg.