MESA COUNTY, CO — The Lower Valley Fire District responded to multiple medical emergencies, including one requiring an air ambulance, while providing dedicated medical coverage for the Desert Gravel Race this weekend.
Operating in a challenging and remote environment, emergency crews navigated difficult terrain to reach injured cyclists along the expansive course. Throughout the weekend event, crews responded to three separate bicycle accidents:
- A participant in the race crashed on a remote trail near 6 1/2 Road and County Road 206. An ATV crew accessed the patient and initiated care before coordinating with CareFlight for an air transport to a nearby medical facility.
- A second participant sustained a collarbone injury and was transported by Lower Valley ambulance.
- A third participant suffered a head injury and was also transported by Lower Valley Ambulance.
The Lower Valley Fire District commended its crews for their fast navigation, quick patient access, and rapid treatment under difficult conditions. The agency also extended its gratitude to Mesa County Search and Rescue for their vital assistance in locating patients in the remote areas of the race course.
Video by Lower Valley Fire District