Estimated read time: 2-3 minutes
This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.
Sandra Yi Reporting It is possible to be trapped in the wilderness and survive with very little. This brings to mind another widely known case in Utah.
Steve Marsden is being evaluated at University Hospital. His story brings to mind that of Aron Ralston.
You may recall, Ralston spent five days trapped in a Southern Utah canyon. We talked to one outdoor expert who explained how that's possible.
Steve Marsden wiggled his foot, as flight nurses rushed him into University Hospital. Experts say his story, if true, is amazing. But it can happen in the wilderness.
David Smith/ REI: "I don't think it's typical, but it's not unheard of, either."
Three years ago, Aron Ralston gained national attention after spending 5 days in Utah's back country with his arm pinned by an 800-pound boulder. He cut off his arm to free himself.
Aaron Ralston/August 10: "And for me, sometimes I find myself being a little more conservative and being more aware of the risks that I'm taking."
Ralston was recently in Utah promoting a line of personal locator beacons.
David Smith: "This device, if you activate it, it transmits a signal of a frequency which is monitored 24 hours a day. It alerts a rescue team immediately."
Smith says gadgets like the beacon and a cell phone can be lifesavers, but common sense is essential.
David Smith: "The basic rules are number one, letting a responsible person know where you're going, your intended route, and how long you expect to be out."
He says, people have enough body fat to go without food for some time. An adequate water supply is important to prevent dehydration, but hypothermia is the most dire threat.
David Smith: "If we were having this conversation a month from now, when it's getting down below freezing at night, or if there had been bad weather or a storm, then if he didn't have adequate protective clothing, then the whole situation changes."
Smith shared some of the essential items everyone should have on an outdoor excursion. They include extra food, water and clothing, a map, compass and matches.
