EMT Runs 1,000 Feet Up Mountain and Arrives ‘Right on Time’ to Help Save Injured Climber’s Life 

A North Carolina emergency medical technician (EMT) displayed remarkable heroism last month by running 1.5 miles and ascending 1,000 feet to deliver blood to an injured climber on Shortoff Mountain. Will Soper, 28, received an urgent call about the incident while instructing a class, prompting him to spring into action and head for the mountain where serious injuries had occurred.

The climber, Jacob Gregory, had suffered a severe head injury after a fall during an ascent with his son. Reports indicate that Gregory was attempting to place climbing gear approximately 40 feet above a ledge when he fell 15 to 20 feet, colliding with a rock pillar. His son managed to lower him safely and administer preliminary first aid until rescue crews could arrive.

Soper, who has been climbing since the age of 10, began his career in emergency services following a significant climbing accident that motivated him to join an EMS Explorer Program. His extensive experience became crucial on August 30 when he recognised the severity of the situation upon receiving the dispatch alert on his phone. Understanding the gravity of the call, he informed a fellow instructor that he had to leave and quickly made his way to the mountain, a two-hour drive away from his location.

Upon arriving at the mountain, Soper found that the rescue operation was already underway. To reach Gregory, he had to coordinate with other rescue teams. However, mid-way up the mountain, he received an urgent request from command to turn back and retrieve blood for the climber. Faced with the demanding terrain, Soper ran 1.5 miles through a gorge and climbed the steep face, telling himself not to stop despite the physical challenge.

Remarkably, he reached Gregory with the needed blood in just over 30 minutes. “I was right on time,” Soper recalled, noting the efficiency of the rescue efforts. He emphasised that the situation underscored how critical swift responses can be in emergencies. If not for the quick actions of Gregory’s son, Soper noted, the outcome could have been much graver.

While Gregory sustained a spinal cord injury from the accident, his family has reported encouraging developments. Nearly a month after the incident, he has begun to regain sensation in both legs and regained some movement in his right leg. A GoFundMe campaign initiated by a friend of the family highlights Gregory’s progress and ongoing rehabilitation efforts. He is now engaged in physical therapy, occupational therapy, and additional training to assist in his recovery, focusing on becoming independent.

Friends and family supporting Gregory remarked that the recovery process involves strengthening his upper body and re-establishing neural pathways to his legs. They have indicated that ongoing therapy sessions—including practical skills needed for everyday activities like getting in and out of his chair—are vital to his rehabilitation.

In a more personal reflection, Soper expressed a desire to meet Gregory, despite their interaction being limited to communication since the accident. He also took the opportunity to encourage others to consider volunteer work with local search and rescue teams, highlighting the immense need for assistance in such organisations across the country.

The story of Will Soper and Jacob Gregory serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of community support and rapid response in emergencies, showcasing both the risks inherent in climbing and the extraordinary efforts of those who venture into the wild to rescue others in distress.