Will Soper hiked 1.5 miles up Shortoff Mountain to deliver whole blood and save an injured climber.
On August 30, a North Carolina emergency medical technician named Will Soper completed a grueling ascent up Shortoff Mountain to deliver critical whole blood supplies. The 28-year-old was teaching a training course when he learned that a climber needed urgent medical intervention in remote terrain.
The operation unfolded when climber Jacob Gregory fell while navigating the steep cliffs with his son in Linville Gorge. Multiple rescue agencies mobilized for the high-altitude operation, which required crews to rappel into the deep gorge to reach the severely injured patient, according to information published by dexerto.
Because standard vehicles could not reach the patient, rescue command requested an urgent delivery of whole blood to stabilize him before an aerial extraction. Soper volunteered to pack the medical supplies into a backpack and carry them up the steep mountain slope.
Emergency Medical Response at Linville Gorge
Soper was originally driving to the mountain with another response team when command directed him to turn around and collect the blood. Burke Rescue Inc and SAR confirmed that ground personnel prepared a pick-off area while awaiting the North Carolina Helicopter Aquatic Rescue Team.
Access complications are common in remote wilderness emergencies, presenting challenges similar to recent incidents involving stranded tourists in foreign mountain ranges. Rescuers in North Carolina faced equally harsh conditions while preparing the victim for transport to a regional medical center.
The 31-Minute Mountain Climb for Whole Blood
Carrying a cooler packed with blood and transfusion supplies, Soper began a relentless march up the trail. He covered roughly 1.5 miles and gained 1,000 feet in elevation in just 31 minutes by alternating between fast hiking and jogging without taking breaks.
He told reporters that he simply kept telling himself not to stop during the grueling trek. Soper arrived right on time to hand the critical supplies to fellow rescuers, allowing medical personnel to stabilize Gregory before his eventual transport to Atrium Carolinas Medical Center in Charlotte.
Recovery and Call to Action for Rescuers
Gregory suffered a severe spinal cord injury during the fall, but subsequent medical updates confirmed he has since regained sensation in both legs and some movement in his right leg. Soper credited Gregory's son for lowering his father and providing crucial first aid.
Reflecting on the mission, Soper described himself as an ordinary person who was simply asked to perform an extraordinary task. He urged anyone inspired by the story to contact their local rescue squad or search and rescue team to help out in future emergencies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Will Soper?
Will Soper is a 28-year-old North Carolina EMT who hiked 1.5 miles and climbed 1,000 feet up Shortoff Mountain in 31 minutes to deliver whole blood to an injured climber.
What happened to Jacob Gregory?
Jacob Gregory suffered a spinal cord injury after falling while climbing with his son in Linville Gorge, requiring a multi-agency mountain rescue operation.
Where did the mountain rescue take place?
The rescue operation took place at Shortoff Mountain and Linville Gorge in North Carolina, culminating in transport to Atrium Carolinas Medical Center in Charlotte.
