EMT runs uphill to deliver blood, saves injured climber
On September 8, 2026, EMT Will Soper ran 1.5 miles uphill to deliver blood to Jacob Gregory, an injured climber in critical condition on Shortoff Mountain. Soper's swift action and endurance were key to stabilizing Gregory, who had suffered severe injuries after a fall. The rescue involved multiple agencies and showcased the importance of teamwork in emergency responses.
On September 8, 2026, Will Soper, a 28-year-old EMT and volunteer technical rescuer with Burke Rescue Inc. in North Carolina, ran 1.5 miles uphill to deliver blood to an injured climber. Jacob Gregory had fallen 20 feet on Shortoff Mountain, leaving the experienced climber in critical condition with internal bleeding. Soper’s arrival and the supplies he carried were essential in stabilizing Gregory as the rescue operation got underway.
The incident began when Gregory was climbing with his son, who called for emergency services immediately after the fall. Soper was teaching a course about two hours away when he heard the call, but he recognized the urgency and headed straight to the mountain. When he reached the trailhead, he learned that Gregory required a blood transfusion. He packed blood bags and the necessary medical equipment into a cooler and started back up the slopes.
The climb required significant physical effort, as Soper gained over 1,000 feet in elevation in only 30 minutes. He carried the blood supplies in a backpack, maintaining a fast pace until he reached the site where Gregory was being treated. Once there, he joined a team of first responders already working on the climber. More than 20 agencies eventually collaborated on the rescue, a joint effort that ensured Gregory received medical care as quickly as the terrain allowed.
Beyond the immediate medical intervention, the operation highlighted the role of volunteers and emergency personnel who work in difficult environments. The rescue required a combination of individual stamina and complex coordination between various organizations. Gregory’s family later expressed their gratitude for the fast response, noting how much the support of the community meant during the crisis.
The event underscores the importance of trained volunteers in search and rescue operations. Soper has since encouraged others to consider joining local rescue squads, pointing to the ongoing need for community involvement in emergency preparedness. With outdoor recreation becoming more popular, the demand for skilled rescuers continues to grow. The coordination and speed seen in this rescue helped save a life and demonstrated the value of a well-supported volunteer network.
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