Traci and Michael Tenhulzen are volunteer alpine ski patrollers at Summit Central on Snoqualmie Pass. Stabilizing and transporting injured snow riders is a no-charge service on the mountain. In this case, the injured got more than they bargained for.
While actively patrolling on a Saturday afternoon in January, Traci responded to an incident.
While actively patrolling on a Saturday afternoon in January, Traci responded to an incident.
Upon arrival, Traci and two other patrollers discovered the patient was suffering from a broken clavicle (collar bone). After stabilizing the injury, the patient was carefully loaded into the toboggan in a seated position to improve comfort during transport.
Traci climbed in the toboggan and secured herself back to back with the patient, who was taken into the first aid room and questioned for the required paperwork. During the inquiry, Traci recognized the name and address as being one of our recent remodeling customers. Michael arrived just as the injured's spouse came into the building.
Our bandaged customer smiled through the embarrassment of the ordeal and said "I hope this doesn't end up costing more than our remodel." Michael thought for a moment and replied, "I hope your remodel wasn't nearly as painful."
After caring for the public on a routine basis, it's nice to know familiar faces can count on us to take care of more than just their homes.
