During a wilderness first aid training session, three college students and their instructor encountered a very real emergency — an 11 year old boy had fallen from a 40-foot cliff.
Mimi Swetish, Sophia Espinosa and Robert Shidek were taking a course through Western Oregon University to get their rock climbing certification. They were training on a trail with their instructor, Zach Hammerle, when they heard a loud thump and a scream.
The group ran around a large rock and saw where the boy, Cohen Schaumann, fell. His grandfather was there, distressed and calling for help.
Sophia and Mimi grabbed their first aid packs while Zach and Robert helped coordinate with 911 and the people on the scene.
“It was definitely overwhelming, but I don’t think there was a bone in my body that was like, ‘I’m gonna walk away,’ Mimi said. "I just knew I had some sort of knowledge, and I would do what I could do."
The team provided first aid and kept Cohen stable until emergency responders arrived. He was transported to the hospital with several injuries including a broken pelvis, wrist, ankle, ribs, and collapsed lungs. Injuries aside, the quick actions of the students and their instructor helped save his life.
To recognize the bravery of all four individuals, the American Red Cross Cascades Region presented them with Red Cross Certificates of Merit. Cohen's dad, Brandon Schaumann, expressed sincere thanks for their efforts.
“I can’t express enough my gratitude for all the climbers and first responders that got my son to a medical evacuation point," Brandon said. "They are a crucial reason why my son is alive today."