Eagle County paramedics mourn the loss of one of their own
DENVER (KDVR) — First responders in Eagle County are mourning the loss of one of their own after a paramedic died while responding to a backcountry rescue.
Steve Zuckerman was 61 years old and leaves behind two children. It happened during an avalanche response just east of Vail.
While adventurous and thrilling, backcountry skiing can be dangerous because of the threat of unstable snow that triggers avalanches.
“There is inherent risk, and certainly that risk can be significantly increased when calls are in the backcountry,” said Brandon Daruna, CEO of Eagle County Paramedic Services.
Tragedy during Colorado avalanche rescue
One of those calls came in on Friday. An avalanche was triggered near East Vail in an area called Birthday Chute.
Images from the Colorado Avalanche Information Center show the large avalanche where two skiers were caught, both suffering injuries.
Vail Mountain Rescue responded, along with trained Eagle County paramedics. However, things took a terrible turn.
“They entered the backcountry on skis to move toward that avalanche victim, and during the course of their response, Steve suffered — we don’t know, specifically — but lost consciousness, and there was a resuscitation effort from our staff,” Daruna said.
Social media frenzies hindering Colorado backcountry rescues
The medical emergency prompted air medical transport, but tragically, Zuckerman did not survive.
“He was always willing to step up and contribute, and it’s a kind of gaping loss for our organization and community. And it’s going to take a long time to heal,” Daruna said.
Mourning among Eagle County paramedics
Daruna said Zuckerman worked Beaver Creek Ski Patrol for more than 25 years. He joined Eagle County Paramedic Services in 2008, where he was a member of the search and rescue team and a field trainer, and he also was training as a critical care paramedic.
“There’s going to be a mourning period, and there’s always going to be a hole left where Steve used to lie,” Daruna said.
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The heavy loss sparked an outpouring of support for a man who dedicated his life to public service and safety. The medical examiner will determine the official cause of death.
Details of a community memorial service for Zuckerman will be released soon.
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