8 Broken Bones – Helicopter Rescue on Our Off-Grid Island – My Wild Holm S3 Ep31

What began as fixing a simple ceiling circuit turned into a life-threatening fall—and eight broken bones. In this episode, follow our emergency response from the moment of impact to the paramedic assessment, island stretcher challenge, and heart-pounding helicopter arrival 90 minutes later.

Table of Contents

• Table of Contents
• The Golden Rule of Working at Height
• Crumple Zone: How a Bent Loveseat Helped
• Loading Up: Stretcher Transport Across the Beach
• Update: Injury Assessment and Recovery Plan
• Getting it Done: Island Life and Moving Forward

The Golden Rule of Working at Height

We started the day doing routine electrical troubleshooting: tracking down a short in a ceiling circuit. From the outside access, we were pulling a block out to re-route wiring when a moment of miscalculation led to a fall. In hindsight, the one rule we kept repeating on camera—always maintain three points of contact when working at height—wasn’t followed strictly enough that day.

We want readers who follow our DIY builds and off-grid projects to remember that even familiar tasks can become dangerous. In remote settings, a small mistake can escalate quickly into an emergency requiring a full HelicopterMedevac response.

Crumple Zone: How a Bent Loveseat Helped

When Ryan fell, the metal loveseat on our deck absorbed some of the impact. We call it the “crumple zone”—and in this case, it made a huge difference. While the fall still resulted in serious injuries, the way the loveseat legs buckled likely prevented an even worse outcome.

Paramedics were blunt and professional: they palpated for hidden injuries, checked breathing and pulse, and started an IV. The immediate first response—staying calm, calling 9-1-1, and performing basic assessment—was what kept things from getting worse. In remote homesteading and OffGridLife situations, quick thinking and basic first-aid know-how are invaluable.

Loading Up: Stretcher Transport Across the Beach

Getting a patient from a deck across a sandy path to a waiting helicopter is not simple. Our medevac team tested the route, set up a makeshift track and coordinated carefully so they could carry Ryan without exacerbating spinal or rib injuries. They used a board and blanket system to move him gently—the kind of improvisation that makes a difference on isolated properties.

We were amazed at how quickly help arrived once it was on its way: the helicopter reached our island in about 90 minutes. That response time felt miraculous out here, but it also underscores why preparedness for an OffGridEmergency is essential—know your coordinates, have clear access paths, and communicate limitations to responders.

Update: Injury Assessment and Recovery Plan

After hospital assessment, the totals were sobering: eight broken bones in all, including six broken ribs on the right side and transverse process fractures at L1 and L2. There were also two small tears in Ryan’s right lung causing some air to escape into the chest cavity. Fortunately, no surgery was required; the treatment path is close monitoring, pain control, and gradual physiotherapy.

We want to emphasize safety takeaways for other homesteaders: protect your torso with sensible precautions when working aloft, use fall-arrest systems or tie-offs when available, and never underestimate the value of a patient, trauma-aware paramedic team. The paramedic’s firm palpation—though painful—was necessary to locate additional injuries and rule out others. We’re grateful for their skill.

Getting it Done: Island Life and Moving Forward

Life on the island continues even while we nurse injuries. Melodi stayed behind, covering the barge, securing supplies, and keeping things moving in spite of her own back issues. That grit—doing what needs to be done with the resources available—is what small-homestead living is all about.

We’ll be posting updates, continuing to film Season 3 content, and preparing for Season 4 at a steady pace. In the meantime, our experience reinforces two important points for anyone emphasizing WildernessSafety and remote living: have a plan for emergencies, and make time to train in basic rescue and patient handling techniques so you can act fast and safely when the unexpected happens.

Practical Safety Checklist for Off-Grid DIY Work

• Keep three points of contact and use fall protection whenever possible.
• Know how to call for emergency services from your location and have GPS or clear coordinates ready.
• Maintain clear access routes for stretcher or medevac crews.
• Keep a basic first-aid kit, high-visibility markers, and a radio or satellite communicator.
• Practice safe lifting and patient movement techniques; use boards, blankets, and rollers as necessary.

Resources and Links

For tools and supplies we use or recommend, check our list of favorite things and gear.
Our Amazon storefront has many useful items we have used on our episodes.
Follow us on Facebook for our community updates, and you can also find us on Instagram.
Our merchandise store has some cool branded stuff if that’s your thing.

Final Thoughts

This incident was a stark reminder that no one is invincible. We’re committed to learning from it and sharing what we learn so our viewers—fellow tiny-cabin builders, DIY homesteaders, and off-grid adventurers—can work safer. We’ll continue to share practical RemoteIslandRescue insights and rebuild with renewed caution. Thank you to everyone who reached out with support and practical advice.

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