AED/First Aid Cache installed on Teton Pass

Teton Backcountry Alliance Announces the Installation of an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) / First Aid Cache on Teton Pass

W

ilson, WY – The Teton Backcountry Alliance (TBCA) is proud to announce the official installation of and public access to an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) / First Aid Cache on Teton Pass. The installation of these life-saving community resources has been spearheaded by Pass Ambassador and Teton Backcountry Alliance steering committee member Jay Pistono. Pistono got the idea for this project after several skiers from the Teton community suffered heart related emergencies on Teton Pass, miles away from the help they needed. “If there is one tool to have at the top of the Pass, it’s an AED, because it is going to save a life,” shared Pistono.

An AED is a portable medical instrument that can recognize life threatening arrythmias of the heart and correct them using defibrillation. The two AEDs were generously donated by Jared Baeker of the Snake River Fund and Charlie Sands. TBCA received partial financial support from several generous residents, and is still fund raising for the total cost of the project. At this time a Weather port structure that holds the AEDs and first aid supplies is located on the east end of the pull-out / parking area on top of Teton Pass. The structure is at ground level, in a dug-out space maintained by Pistono. “I dug for 5 days straight, pulling in anyone who was willing to help”, explained Pistono. Luckily Pistono had Roadhouse Beer donated from TBCA supporter Neil Albert to help entice Pass users to lend a hand.

TBCA celebrates that Teton Pass AED/First Aid Cache project was accomplished with agency partners. Bridger-Teton National Forest, Teton County Sheriff’s Office, WYDOT, the WY Highway Patrol all supported and contributed to the effort.

Teton Backcountry Alliance is a grassroots organization with the mission to promote public safety, community, stewardship, and sustainable access for Teton-area winter backcountry users. TBCA currently has several other initiatives underway, including participation in a new BTNF planning process to address congestion issues on Teton Pass, working with agencies and the public in the Teton Bighorn Sheep consultation process, and launching the Teton Pass Volunteer Ambassador Program.