In March of 2023, Matt Patterson woke up violently sick while on a multi-day backcountry skiing trip with several friends. His wife, Natalie, was left waiting at home knowing only that he had been evacuated from the mountains.
Following the rescue, Matt and Natalie began volunteering for King County Search and Rescue, assisting in rescues throughout King County, Washington. The organization recently took them back to the sight of the original rescue to tell their story, putting together a short documentary that discusses the sacrifices made by search and rescue volunteers around the country.
“While he wasn’t in immediate life-threatening danger, the experience of feeling vulnerable and helpless – on both sides – sparked something bigger. This story isn’t just about one rescue; it’s about how a difficult experience led two people to completely change their lives, join search and rescue, and find meaningful ways to give back to the outdoor community.“
