US Man Survives 120-Foot Fall Into Creek After Bystander Gives Him CPR

A man survived a 120-foot fall into a creek at a Montana national park after a bystander pulled him from the water and performed CPR, reported People.com.

Ken Nurse, who lives in North Carolina, was visiting Glacier National Park with his wife, family, and friends when he fell from an overlook into McDonald Creek on Thursday, August 13, according to NonStop Local Montana.

Ken reportedly went over a set of waterfalls before a bystander found him face down in the water, according to a Facebook post by helicopter search and rescue organisation Two Bear Air Rescue, which did not name the victim.

Ken and his family had been taking photos, his wife Renae Nurse told NonStop Local Montana. However, while she went back to the car to warm up, Ken moved closer to the edge for a better view. The ground suddenly gave way, plunging him about 120 feet into the creek.

After finding Ken face down in the water, the bystander entered the creek and pulled him to a shallow area, where CPR was given. Two Bear Air Rescue confirmed that Ken then had a return of spontaneous circulation.

Glacier National Park rangers were caring for Ken when a Two Bear Air Rescue helicopter arrived. Video shared by the organisation showed the crew securing Ken before lifting him from the water.

Watch Video Here:

Ken was transferred to a medical helicopter, where his condition was stabilised. He was then taken to hospital.

Two Bear Air Rescue praised the bystander for acting quickly and said the person's actions saved the victim's life.

According to NonStop Local Montana, Ken spent two days on a ventilator and was given oxygen after waking up. He suffered multiple cracked ribs, a compound fracture in his elbow that required surgery, and fluid in his lungs.

Ken said he wanted everyone who helped him to receive the recognition they deserved because he should not be alive after what happened. He said he owed everyone his life and wanted that to be known.

On Thursday, August 20, Renae shared on Facebook that they would be flying home the following day.

She said it was amazing what a week could do, adding that the previous Thursday they did not know if Ken would ever come off the ventilator, while the following Thursday she had booked their return flights for the next day.

Renae thanked the bystander, whom she identified as Josh, along with their friends and family, park staff, hospital staff, and the Two Bear Air Rescue crew.