safety
With new austere emergency care training, Eagle County emergency providers can save lives in any scenario
By Kate Kampner kkampner@vaildaily.com at Vail Daily
· July 5, 2026
· 4 min read
Eagle County Paramedic Services is expanding the width of paramedic abilities to be ready for any emergency, especially in the outdoors.
The paramedics team recently hosted austere emergency care training for 11 of its paramedics to learn to respond to prolonged medical emergencies in settings...
Key takeaway “We have a whole bunch of different specialty services that we provide the community under the umbrella of 911 response,” said Brandon Daruna, the CEO of ECPS.
Why this matters in Aspen News
As neighboring Pitkin County, home to Aspen , contends with its own set of mountain-weather hazards, the training of Eagle County paramedics in austere emergency care is a notable development. The ability to respond to prolonged medical emergencies in remote environments with limited resources is crucial in the Rocky Mountains, where backcountry conditions can be unforgiving. With over 33% of Eagle County paramedics now certified in austere emergency care, this expertise can be a valuable asset in regional emergency response efforts. As Aspen's own residents and visitors often venture into the backcountry, the potential for cooperation and mutual aid between Eagle County Paramedic Services and Pitkin County emergency providers is significant, particularly in scenarios involving avalanches, wildfires, or other mountain-specific hazards. This training can help bridge the gap in emergency care between urban and remote areas, ultimately enhancing the safety of outdoor enthusiasts in the Roaring Fork Valley.
About this story
Original reporting by Vail Daily . Aspen News surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit Vail Daily . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: safety ·
Published: July 5, 2026 ·
Source: Vail Daily ·
Reading time: 4 min
Get more Aspen News stories like this
Free weekly briefing covering safety and other local news. Curated by our editorial team. No spam.
By subscribing you agree to our privacy policy . Unsubscribe anytime.
Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? Eagle County Paramedic Services is expanding the width of paramedic abilities to be ready for any emergency, especially in the outdoors.
The paramedics team recently hosted austere emergency care training for 11 of its paramedics to learn to respond to prolonged medical emergencies in settings...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 5, 2026 by Vail Daily and curated for Aspen News readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Kate Kampner kkampner@vaildaily.com at Vail Daily. To learn more about how Aspen News selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more safety coverage from Aspen News, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
← Back to all news
More safety →
Today’s briefing
Subscribe to newsletter