EMT Runs 1,000 Feet Up a Mountain to Deliver Life-Saving Blood to Injured Climber

A desperate rescue mission in the mountains of North Carolina took an extraordinary turn when a 28-year-old emergency medical technician ran through rugged terrain and climbed 1,000 feet to deliver blood to a critically injured climber. With time running out, his determination helped get urgently needed medical supplies to a man fighting for his life.

The rescuer, Will Soper, was responding to an emergency on August 30, 2026, after climber Jacob Gregory suffered a serious fall while climbing Shortoff Mountain in North Carolina.

According to reports, Gregory had been climbing with his son when he fell approximately 15 to 20 feet and struck a rock formation. The impact left him critically injured and in urgent need of medical attention.

A Race Against Time in Remote Mountain Terrain

When Soper received the emergency alert, he was teaching a training class approximately two hours away. Recognizing the seriousness of the situation, he quickly left to assist with the rescue.

By the time he reached the area, other rescuers were already working to reach Gregory. However, the patient’s condition deteriorated, and the rescue team urgently needed blood to help stabilize him.

Soper was given a critical assignment: transport the blood to the rescuers attending to the injured climber.

The terrain made the task especially difficult. He had to travel approximately 1.5 miles through a gorge and climb 1,000 feet in elevation while carrying the life-saving supplies.

Rather than walking slowly through the challenging landscape, Soper ran.

He later recalled telling himself not to stop as he pushed through the exhausting climb. After just over 30 minutes, he reached the team and delivered the blood.

For the rescuers waiting at the scene, his arrival came at a crucial moment.

His Son Also Played a Critical Role

Gregory’s son was reportedly instrumental in helping his father before the rescue team could fully reach them.

Following the fall, he helped lower his father to safety and provided first aid while awaiting assistance. The rescuers later administered a blood transfusion as part of the effort to stabilize Gregory.

The combination of the son’s quick response and the rescue team’s coordinated efforts helped give the injured climber a chance to survive.

The incident also demonstrated the challenges faced by emergency responders operating in remote locations, where reaching a patient can be just as difficult as treating the injuries themselves.

A Difficult Recovery Lies Ahead

Although Gregory survived the incident, his injuries were severe. He suffered a spinal cord injury and faced a lengthy rehabilitation process.

Updates shared by his family indicated that he had begun regaining sensation in both legs and some movement in his right leg. His recovery involved physical therapy, occupational therapy, counseling, and exercises designed to help him regain strength and independence.

Soper has remained in contact with Gregory since the accident, although the two had not yet met in person at the time of the PEOPLE report.

For the experienced climber and emergency responder, the mission was a reminder of why rescue work matters. Soper has said that his own interest in emergency services grew after a major climbing accident inspired him to pursue training in emergency medical response.

He now encourages others who want to help their communities to consider volunteering with local search-and-rescue teams.

In the mountains, where steep terrain and remote locations can make every minute count, the efforts of trained rescuers and volunteers can make a life-changing difference.

Source: PEOPLE

Additional Source: Outside Online