Tramway Passenger in Distress
August 10, 2024
Palm Springs Tramway
2024-031
Written by: Ryan Roleson
After ten miles of scrambling up some of the more formidable peaks during a training hike in the San Jacinto Wilderness, 14 RMRU Members felt tired but jubilantly looked forward to burgers and beverages. High fives were called for before the Palm Springs Aerial Tram arrived to take us down to the parking lot, but amid our celebrations Shana called my attention over to an older woman who did not look as happy as we were. Appearing clammy and pale, she complained of abdominal pain, and nausea. Sure, maybe a bad sandwich could do that to you, but her companion had eaten the same food and felt fine.
They had just come off a long flight to visit family in the area and intended to day trip to eat lunch at the upper tram station in the company of the beautiful San Jacinto Mountains. Yet their day turned sour as the symptoms came on. Vital signs were stable, but she was ill-appearing. The risk factors were there for a heart attack, and we administered ondansetron for nausea followed by aspirin. Tram staff was alerted to her condition and promptly called EMS, who waited for us at the bottom with an ambulance. After some gentle nudging by her companion, she agreed to be taken to the nearest hospital.
RMRU Members Involved: (Trygve Anderson, Kalie Fletcher, Matt Frenken, Kyleen Gonzalez, Shana
Gutovich, Andy Hayt, Eric Holden, Jeff Leisner, Geoff Marshall, Benjamin Mata, Tobias Moyneur,
Ryan Roleson, Solan Watts, Richard Yocum)
Other Agencies Involved: (Palm Springs Aerial Tram and AMR)