BEND, OR -- A Bend woman suffered a potentially life-threatening medical emergency while cross-country skiing, Tuesday, prompting a Search and Rescue operation at Virginia Meissner Sno-Park. Stewart Allen called 911 just before 2 p.m. to report he and his wife Susie were about a mile and a half from the parking lot, but could not continue because of her condition.

A Deschutes County SAR team responded on snowmobiles, contacting the 57-year-old woman at the Meissner Shelter where they provided initial care. She was taken to to the parking lot via snow ambulance and then transported by ground ambulance to St. Charles Bend for treatment. An air ambulance was initially dispatched but was unable to respond due to poor weather conditions.

File Photo: Virginia Meissner Sno-Park