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Casper honors Mountain Ski Patrol after December rescue that saved a skier’s life
Summary
The council recognized Casper Mountain Ski Patrol on March 18 for a Dec. 28, 2024 rescue in which patrollers and bystanders used CPR and an AED to restore a skier’s pulse; the patient later underwent bypass surgery and has since returned home.
CASPER, Wyo. — The Casper City Council on March 18 publicly thanked members of the Casper Mountain Ski Patrol for a December 28, 2024 rescue that local officials said helped save a skier’s life.
Mayor Pacheco introduced and read a proclamation recognizing the volunteer squad after a presentation outlining the incident. According to remarks read into the record, a skier identified as Colin Anderson was found unresponsive at the bottom of the Boomerang run at Hogadon on Dec. 28. Members of the Casper Mountain Racers first provided CPR and radioed for the ski patrol. Patrollers Thomas Branson, Jason Spence, Kent Duehne, Robert Walker and candidate Jen Burke responded, took over CPR, requested advanced life support and prepared an automated external defibrillator (AED) and a Lucas chest-compression device.
The record says the AED initially showed no charge; after sustained CPR and a second shock, patrollers restored a pulse and transported Anderson to patrol headquarters and then to an ambulance and Banner Health Life Flight. Council remarks stated Anderson was stabilized, underwent successful bypass surgery a little over a week later and has since returned to Hogadon to resume skiing.
Mayor Pacheco said on the record that the incident was “a powerful reminder of the critical role our ski patrol plays” and called the volunteers “unsung heroes” whose training and readiness benefit the community year-round. A representative of the ski patrol briefly addressed the council and thanked members and the community for their support.
The mayor and council noted that becoming a volunteer ski patroller requires extensive training and certification and observed that many patrollers also volunteer medical support for summer outdoor events. The presentation did not produce formal council action; it was recognition and a ceremonial proclamation recorded in the meeting minutes.
Ending — The council presented the proclamation and applauded the patrol’s volunteers for their role in the rescue and ongoing public-safety contributions to recreation on Casper Mountain.
