Summit Fire personnel had to hike about a mile and a half along the Schultz Creek Trail to reach a patient in an area with limited cell phone reception. The cyclist fell about 15 to 20 feet off the cliff and landed on a jagged pile of broken rocks below.

Summit Fire Battalion Chief Torsten Palm said the first call came around 2 p.m.

Due to problems with reception, dispatchers used not only traditional telephone calls but also text 911 systems to help first responders find patients.

Palm said Summit Engine 37 was the first to be dispatched to the scene, followed by 1st Flagstaff Fire Battalion. Additional resources from Guardian Medical Transport, Coconino County Sheriff’s Search and Rescue, and Coconino County Sheriff’s Office were also dispatched to the trail because patient access was an issue.

“It was just a multi-agency response. We all train together and have great relationships, so everyone is doing great,” Palm said.

Having confirmed the patient’s condition and location, emergency responders requested a Guardian Medical Transport helicopter in hopes of transporting the patient on a mountain bike to a hospital as soon as possible.

“The crew ended up approaching the patient and carrying him to the landing zone,” Palm said. “It was about transportation time. It would have been faster to get from the accident site to the hospital than ground transportation.”

Palm added that text messaging proved to be a valuable tool for first responders in this case. He said poor reception could pose a significant safety risk, especially in the Schultz Pass area.

“Sometimes you can send a text message even if your cell phone signal isn’t good,” Palm said.

Still, he stressed that hikers and mountain bikers should consider cell service before venturing out on the trails.

“Plan in case of an accident. Plan to get to a point, or have someone who can reach a point with call service call or text for help.” Mr Palm said.