LINCOLN COUNTY, WV (LOOTPRESS) – A recent accident on Lincoln County’s Ivy Branch Trail system shed light on the significance of trail system officers to the safety of trail explorers.
An ATV rollover which occurred on the Ivy Branch Trail – part of the Hatfield-McCoy Trail System – saw a rider sustain a severe laceration to the leg, an injury which necessitated prompt medical attention.
The scene was responded to by Officer Michael Ellis, who made contact with first responders. Despite being made aware of the incident, first responders informed Ellis that, due to the remote nature of location, they would be unable to reach the scene.
As a convenience to riders and hikers, the trails throughout the Hatfield-McCoy trail system are each assigned a color rating to designate their level of difficulty. The Ivy Branch Trail, where the incident occurred, carries a black rating, designating it as one of the most difficult trails to navigate.
Quick on his feet, Officer Ellis obtained the DNR patrol utility terrain vehicle, which he then used to transport medical personnel to the location of the accident. Once the victim received the necessary immediate medical attention, he, along with the first responders, was transported by Ellis via UTV to a waiting ambulance to receive further treatment.
A statement on the incident from the West Virginia Natural Resources Police read,
“Officer Ellis’ quick response to the scene along with having the proper equipment readily accessible proved critical to this patient receiving immediate medical care and transport out of the remote area. Natural Resources Police Officers around the state are well trained and equipped to provide assistance for nearly any emergency situation.”