From this week's Pique:
Heroes in Harvey's
If not for the quick and selfless actions of two skiers Saturday I wouldn't be writing this letter today.
December 4 was one of the best early season days in recent memory, tons of fresh snow, cold temperatures and blue skies. After two quick groomers I waited about 45 minutes for the Harmony Chair to open for the season; I was sixth in line, which meant I'd be on the second chair up the hill.
After we dismounted the chair I headed to Harvey's; my buddy headed further right towards Robertson's. This is an area that we have skied hundreds of time over the last 30 years.
As I headed towards the last pitch on Harvey's my downhill ski released prematurely. Before I could react I found myself head down in a tree well. I knew I was in trouble immediately.
My buddy was nowhere near me and I was completely immobilized. Upside down, snow began to fill around my face. I knew the seriousness of the situation. As I struggled I became more and more immersed, snow began to fill my gasping mouth. I wondered how long it would be before I blacked out. I knew the expanse of the area and I knew the chance of rescue was slim. I knew I was dead.
I thought, "Is this how it happens? Forty-four years old and in a f*cking tree well?" I thought of my parents and my girlfriend Taryn. I couldn't believe I was going to put them through this.
The next thing I remember is being awoken from a deep sleep by the yelling of some stranger. I was disorientated, blood was dripping from my lip. After several moments, I collected my breath and thoughts. I realized that the two men attending to me had pulled me from the tree well. I was alive. It's impossible to describe the feeling, of waking up to find you are alive.
Harvey's is expansive and gnarly terrain. A pair of ski boots sticking out from a tree well is not overtly obvious. As luck would have it, they noticed my inverted legs as they skied by.
My rescuers later told me that I was blue, non-responsive and lifeless when they pulled me out of the tree well. The attending physician speculated that they discovered me anywhere from five to 15 minutes after I passed out.
These two men, Brad Tkachuk and Eamon Sallam, are heroes. It must have taken great physical exertion, strength and effort to free me. The snow was deep, the terrain steep. I question whether a less competent duo would have been successful.
The actions of these two men saved my life. They are heroes - no other way to put it. They risked their own welfare by rescuing me. What do you say or do for someone who has saved your life?
If it wasn't for having two healthy, strong, snow-smart, saviors I wouldn't be writing this letter today.
The attending ski patrol were tremendous and my heartfelt acknowledgement goes out to them as well. Noah was with me from recovery to clinic and was very supportive. You understand the magnitude of the situation when the ski patrollers are shaking their heads and calling me the luckiest guy on the hill.
The reason for this letter is threefold.
Firstly, to remind folks of the danger of tree wells (
www.treewelldeepsnowsafety.com). I was well aware of their dangers but clearly it helped little when I was engulfed. Death in this case would have been due to snow immersion asphyxiation - non-avalanche-related snow immersion death (NARSID). It's estimated that 90 per cent of those stuck in tree wells cannot self rescue.
Secondly, while it's obvious that skiing with a buddy is imperative it is little help if you aren't within eyesight of one another.
Thirdly, and most importantly I want to acknowledge the efforts of Brad Tkachuk and Eamon Sallam. These men need to be commended for their actions. They have an open tab with me at Apres! I encourage others to treat these two men with respect, reverence and perhaps a free beer if opportunity presents. Brad and Eamon are true heroes and their friends, family, colleagues and acquaintances should feel proud to have these remarkable men in their lives. I know I do.
Sean Hirtle
Vancouver/Whistler
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