Adrienne Dunham

Gig Harbor, Washington

When 15-year-old Adrienne Dunham headed to Crystal Mountain Ski Resort last February for her first day on skis, she was in for quite a bit more excitement than she expected. After a full day of lessons, she headed down the slope for a last run. Suddenly, another skier plowed into her from behind, and Adrienne was thrown 30 feet down the mountain. Her father, who was skiing behind, witnessed the crash and came to her rescue. Adrienne felt pain immediately in her neck and back, so the ski patrol stabilized her on a backboard. When her blood pressure and heart rate suddenly increased, the rescuers arranged to have Adrienne airlifted directly to Harborview Medical Center. Fortunately, extensive testing revealed that Adrienne’s injuries were minor, and she was released with pain medication. Adrienne hopes to return to the mountain in the upcoming season. In the meantime, she enjoys joking with friends that every time she goes skiing, she has to be evacuated by helicopter!

Crystal Mountain Ski Patrol (Crystal Mountain, WA) to Harborview Medical Center

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