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
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
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
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
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
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.
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