EMT Runs 1.5 Miles Uphill to Deliver Blood to Injured Climber

On August 30, 2026, a technical rescuer with Burke Rescue Inc. and SAR performed a grueling 1.5-mile uphill run to save an injured climber on Shortoff Mountain, North Carolina. EMT Will Soper was teaching a training course two hours away when he heard that Jacob Gregory had fallen 20 feet during an ascent. Recognizing the urgency of the situation, Soper left his class and headed toward the scene. Gregory had sustained a critical injury and required immediate medical intervention to survive.

When Soper arrived at the trailhead, he learned that Gregory was in critical condition and suffering from internal bleeding. While other first responders had already reached the climber, the medical situation was deteriorating. After a radio call confirmed that Gregory required a blood transfusion, Soper returned to his vehicle to pack blood bags and the necessary transfusion equipment into a backpack. He then began the steep climb toward the site, carrying the supplies himself.

The 1.5-mile trek involved gaining approximately 1,000 feet in elevation, a feat Soper completed in just 30 minutes. He later described his pace as a fast hike or jog, navigating the challenging and remote terrain as quickly as his stamina allowed. This rapid response proved vital, as getting the blood to the site as quickly as possible was a decisive factor in Gregory’s chances of survival.

Upon reaching the scene, Soper worked with the other responders to stabilize Gregory. Once the climber was prepared for transport, he was taken to Atrium Carolinas Medical Center in Charlotte. While his recovery status remains uncertain, the scale of the rescue was significant, involving more than 20 agencies. The operation highlighted the coordination required between various local emergency services during a complex mountain rescue.

Gregory’s family has expressed their gratitude for the efforts of the responders, noting that the outcome could have been very different without such swift action. To support Gregory through his recovery, they have launched a GoFundMe campaign. The community response has mirrored the dedication shown by the rescue teams on the mountain that day, offering support to the family during a difficult period.

Reflecting on the event, Soper encourages others to consider volunteering for search and rescue teams, noting the constant need for trained responders in these environments. His experience illustrates the role that individual dedication plays within the broader emergency system. The rescue of Jacob Gregory stands as a record of the commitment shown by first responders who work in difficult conditions to help those in need.