Thomas Elbrecht

Thomas Elbrecht helped rescue Travis Haussener from avalanche and exposure, Millcreek, Utah, December 14, 2022. In the morning, Haussener, 35, was hiking up a 35-degree-slope in the Wasatch Mountain Range while backcountry skiing when there was a 200-foot-wide, 2-foot-deep avalanche above him. The snow surged downhill, enveloping Haussener and slamming him into a tree, against which he was pinned and severely injured, with all but his head and left arm buried. Haussener, who had seen only one other person in the vicinity that morning, called out for help. Within earshot, Elbrecht, 31, a firefighter, was backcountry skiing with his dog when he began hearing noises as he followed the path Haussener earlier had broken in the snow. By the time Elbrecht arrived at the bottom of the avalanche-debris pile, he heard Haussener’s distinct calls. Heading toward the origin of the avalanche, Elbrecht hiked up the steeper slope to Haussener and unburied him. Haussener’s injuries included a broken thighbone, which inhibited him from skiing or hiking to safety. After moving Haussener to a flat area near the tree, Elbrecht used his cell phone to inform authorities of Haussener’s injuries. Elbrecht also created a makeshift splint with a ski pole to stabilize his broken leg and built a small shelter to help shield Haussener from the sub-freezing air temperature and cold wind. As Elbrecht remained with Haussener, more than a mile from the nearest parking lot and about a quarter-mile from a hiking trail, rescue crews evaluated how to respond, as there was a risk of another avalanche in the area. A rescue helicopter responded but was unable to attempt to hoist Haussener to safety because of the steep slope and closely packed, tall trees. Eventually, a two-person county search team responding by ground found them, and Elbrecht helped the team lower Haussener to a spot where he then was moved by toboggan and snowmobile to a waiting ambulance. Haussener spent a few days in the hospital and endured a lengthy rehabilitation to his leg. Elbrecht, who had remained with Haussener for several hours, including beyond sunset, was cold and hungry but was not injured.