Utah firefighter awarded Carnegie Medal for avalanche rescue

Tom Elbrecht, a firefighter stationed out of 110 in Cottonwood Heights, has been named a recipient of the Carnegie Medal, North America's highest honor for civilian heroism. Photo: Unified Fire Authority

Elbrecht, an experienced backcountry skier, was skiing with his dog Wiley when he heard cries for help. He discovered a skier who had been swept 200 feet by an avalanche, buried except for his head and one arm, and severely injured against a tree.

UTAH — Firefighter Tom Elbrecht of Cottonwood Heights Station 110 has been honored with the prestigious Carnegie Medal, the highest award for civilian heroism in North America. The commendation follows his December 2022 rescue of an injured backcountry skier caught in an avalanche in Neff’s Canyon, Millcreek.

Elbrecht, an experienced backcountry skier, was skiing with his dog Wiley when he heard cries for help. He discovered a skier who had been swept 200 feet by an avalanche, buried except for his head and one arm, and severely injured against a tree. Over the course of seven hours, Elbrecht used his medical training to administer first aid, including splinting the injured skier’s leg and sharing his own gear to provide warmth in the freezing conditions.

With the threat of another avalanche looming, Elbrecht remained with Haussener as rescue crews came up with a plan. A rescue helicopter responded but was unable to affect a rescue because of the steep slope and closely packed, tall trees. Eventually, two rescue personnel on the ground found them. Elbrecht helped lower Haussener to a spot where he was moved by toboggan and then snowmobile to a waiting ambulance. The injured skier spent a few days in the hospital and endured a lengthy rehabilitation to his leg.