The text below appeared in the Thursday, August 4, 1983, edition of the Lehi Free Press
Lehi’s Charlie Walker is member of emergency team: TERT
Charlie Walker, ten year veteran of the Lehi Ambulance Association, is also a member of the Timpanogos Emergency Response Team (TERT). TERT is a volunteer group of men and women who camp along the trail of Mt. Timpanogos.
The team was organized by Dr. Wayne O. Kearney, Vice President for Student Services at Utah Technical College Orem, for the purpose of providing immediate assistance to anyone who has an accident on Timpanogos.
Each team consists of at least one experienced climber, one emergency medical technician (EMT), one qualified communication operator and one individual for back-up purposes.
The team is on the mountain from Friday evening to Sunday afternoon and longer on holidays. Their camp is along the trail and is designated by flags so those hiking can easily find them.
This year team members have assisted in a number of minor accidents and on Saturday, July 23, called in the lifeline helicopter from Salt Lake to transport an injured 40-year old man who slide down a snow field and fell into a crevice.
He was transported to Utah Valley Hospital.
Walker became interested in TERT after a notice went out to all ambulance associations asking for volunteers.
The first meeting was held at Utah Tech with Walker in attendance. He became interested, even intrigued with the concept involved, and joined the group.
One full Saturday was spent at the Tech going over medical procedures including how and what should be done on the mountain to help people who were climbing or hiking.
Dr. Kearney recognized the need for such a service when several people lost their lives while climbing on Timpanogos last summer.
Charlie qualified for TERT because of his EMT training which is a requirement for all Ambulance Association members.
The camp is usually located on a trail near Sundance.
“We are not a search and rescue team, but we are there to help people; give advice or medical attention until help arrives.”
A communication expert is required on each team so he can furnish radio and technical knowledge to contact the County Dispatch people.
Wives of members are very much involved including Walker’s wife, Nancy, who helps him in all his efforts on the Lehi Ambulance Crew and as a member of TERT.
“She is very supportive. I couldn’t accomplish anything without her help,” Charlie acknowledges.
An electrician by trade, Walker is presently employed as an emergency medical technician at the I.P.A. plant in Delta. Because of his employment commitments he has been unable to be present on TERT teams this summer, but promises to be on the job on Timpanogos Trail as soon as his work schedule permits.
In the meantime, Dr. Kearney and other members of the Timpanogos Emergency Response Team will continue their efforts to prevent accidents and give aid to those who need advice or help with mountain climbing.
