An all-terrain vehicle rolled onto a 52-year-old rider near Miller Rock in Boulder County, Colorado, on Wednesday morning, according to the Boulder County Sheriff's Office. The accident occurred about 10:10 a.m. near Jamestown in an unincorporated area. The ATV was being towed due to mechanical issues when it high-sided and rolled onto the rider.
A second rider, who was uninjured, located cell service and called 911 before returning to assist the injured rider. A Med Evac air ambulance landed near the accident site, and ground crews helped move the patient to the helicopter. The rider was transported to a local hospital for treatment.
Colorado off-highway vehicle operators must have current registration through Colorado Parks and Wildlife. Required ATV equipment includes functional brakes, a proper muffler, one working headlight, one red taillight, and motor vehicle liability insurance. Riders and passengers under 18 must wear helmets, and eye protection and seatbelts (when equipped) are required.
Cell service may be limited or unavailable in remote areas. The Boulder County Sheriff's Office recommended that recreationists carry a satellite SOS device or other emergency communication tools and noted that texting 911 may work when voice calls do not.
Agencies assisting with the rescue included the Allenspark Fire Protection District, Boulder County Sheriff's Office, Estes Ambulance, Lefthand Fire Protection District, Med Evac, and Rocky Mountain Rescue Group.