Article Highlights

  • Backcountry skiing in Durango takes a bad turn and leads to a fractured sternum.
  • Global Rescue vetted medical facilities and found the right hospital for diagnosis and treatment.
  • The quick response and support provided peace of mind for a member in an unfamiliar location.

At 65-years-old, Rich Lefler, a seasoned skier from Madison, Connecticut, thought he had seen it all. But during a backcountry trip skiing near in Durango, Colorado, an unexpected accident left him with severe back pain and an uncertain future.

Lefler was cat skiing in the backcountry of Durango, exploring deep snow and rugged terrain. Conditions were good, with enough snow to make the experience challenging but rewarding. “It wasn’t legendary powder, but it was nice snow,” he recalled. The day had gone smoothly until a run through the trees led to a freak accident and a hard landing.

 

Ski Accident

“I was skiing over deadfalls, fallen logs that created two to five-foot drops into the snow,” Lefler explained. “I hit a spot where my skis went through the bark of the tree, and both skis stopped. I got ejected from my bindings, flipped, and landed hard on my upper back.”

Unfortunately, instead of landing in the soft snow, Lefler slammed onto a frozen snowmobile track. He was momentarily stunned but never lost consciousness and managed to get back on his feet. He rejoined his friends and managed to ski out of the area, despite considerable pain.

“At first, the pain was about a five out of 10,” he said. Lefler’s friends encouraged him to take a break, and ski patrol conducted an evaluation. They cleared him to head home, but the pain continued to worsen overnight. “It got progressively worse. The pain increased to a nine out of 10.”

 

The Global Rescue Connection

His neck was stiff, and he knew something wasn’t right, but he didn’t realize the extent of his injury at the time. The next day, concerned about the severity of his symptoms, Lefler contacted Global Rescue for help.

“I called Global Rescue and explained the situation,” Lefler said. “They immediately jumped into action. I didn’t know anything about the area. I didn’t know which was the right place to go. They vetted nearby medical facilities and recommended I go to Common Spirit Mercy Hospital in Durango for further evaluation.”

Global Rescue’s team relayed the hospital information to Lefler and assured him that the emergency room was relatively clear, so he wouldn’t face long wait times. “It was such a relief to have them provide the address, directions, and everything I needed,” Lefler said. “It gave me peace of mind knowing I was heading to the right place.”

Lefler and his companion drove to the hospital, where a CT scan revealed that he had suffered a fractured sternum and whiplash. The medical staff noted that Lefler’s backpack and avalanche transceiver, tightly strapped to his chest, had likely displaced the force of the impact upward. While his ribs and spine were spared, the transceiver had exerted enough pressure to crack his sternum. “The force went up, stopped on the transceiver, and that’s what caused the fracture,” Lefler explained.

 

Peace of Mind

Fortunately, the hospital staff quickly diagnosed his injuries, and Lefler was able to leave the facility within an hour. “I couldn’t believe how fast the process was,” Lefler said. “The doctors were great, and Global Rescue had prepared everything for me.”

Global Rescue continued to offer support, checking in to see if Lefler needed assistance arranging his travel home or any other logistics. While Lefler was able to manage his return with the help of a friend, he appreciated the offer. “One of my friends was flying back to the same town, so he carried my bags and helped me get home. But Global Rescue was ready to step in if needed,” Lefler said.

Lefler’s recovery was not without its challenges. “The fractured sternum bothered me, but what I didn’t expect was a pretty bad case of whiplash,” he noted. For about three weeks, Lefler struggled with pain and discomfort, especially when trying to sleep. “I couldn’t lie down without my head hurting, so I had to sleep sitting up for a while.”

Despite these difficulties, Lefler was determined to stay active. “I’ve been doing some physical therapy and exercises, and I’m slowly getting back to normal,” he said. “I’ve even been able to get out on my bike for 35 to 40 miles at a time, but now and then my neck gets sore.”

 

Global Rescue Reassurance

Lefler’s experience with Global Rescue was a turning point in his recovery. “Even though I was in the U.S., a country I’m familiar with, I was in a place I didn’t know—Durango,” Lefler explained. “It was reassuring to have Global Rescue guiding me to the right hospital and offering support along the way.”

As an avid skier, Lefler travels to remote locations, including Europe, Central Asia, and even the Arctic. He’s been a Global Rescue member for more than eight years but had never needed to use the service until this incident. “I always carry Global Rescue with me, but this was the first time I had to use it,” Lefler said. “I couldn’t have asked for better service.”

Global Rescue provided Lefler with much-needed guidance during a time of uncertainty, ensuring he received the medical attention he required and offering assistance with travel arrangements. “It wasn’t the dramatic ‘rescued from Mount Everest by helicopter’ story, but it was just as important,” Lefler noted. “The reassurance of knowing which hospital to go to, that the emergency room was clear, and having someone to call was incredibly helpful.”

 

Skiing In Japan

For Lefler, the experience reaffirmed his decision to become a Global Rescue member. “I’ve encouraged all my family members to sign up, and we have a family membership,” he said. “I also recommend it to friends who are into adventure travel. Global Rescue is the best value for money and service out there.”

As Lefler looks forward to future trips, including skiing in Japan in early 2025 and another to Austria in April, he remains grateful for Global Rescue’s support. “I’m hoping to get back on the slopes soon without any more incidents,” he joked. “But knowing Global Rescue is there if I need them gives me peace of mind.”

Lefler’s story is a testament to the value of being prepared, especially for adventure travelers. Whether skiing in remote areas or hiking in far-flung locations, having a service like Global Rescue can make all the difference in an emergency. “It’s not just about big, dramatic rescues,” Lefler said. “It’s about having someone there when you need them, no matter where you are.”