Fort Collins, Colorado — An emotional reunion in Northern Colorado brought tears, smiles and gratitude as a young girl who survived a life-threatening rattlesnake bite came face-to-face once again with the first responders who helped save her life.
The touching moment took place during the Poudre Fire Authority’s annual Survivors Event at the Drake Center in Fort Collins, where survivors of traumatic emergencies reunited with the emergency crews who helped them through some of the darkest moments of their lives.
Terrifying Snake Bite Happened During Family Hike
Among the stories shared was that of Irene Catania, who was just 7 years old when she was bitten twice by a rattlesnake during a hike with her mother at Lory State Park.
The frightening incident unfolded suddenly while the pair were walking along the trail.
“My daughter Irene, who was seven at the time, we’re going down trail, and she runs up to me, freaked out, and she’s been bit by a rattlesnake twice,” said Sara Bartel, Irene’s mother.
Realizing the severity of the situation, the family immediately called 911 after discovering they still had cellphone service in the area.
Rescue Teams Rush to Save Young Girl
Emergency responders understood the urgency the moment the call came in.
“So it’s pretty urgent to get there,” said Lincoln Jacoway, a park ranger with Colorado Parks and Wildlife.
Jacoway became the first responder to reach Irene on the trail. However, her condition quickly began to deteriorate as the snake venom spread through her body.
With time running out, rescuers acted fast to move her off the rugged hiking trail and toward a helicopter landing zone.
“With how rapidly she was deteriorating, we decided to just put her in what we call a big wheel, and then wheel her out of the Well Gulch (Natural) Trail to a landing zone,” Jacoway said.
The terrifying moments were overwhelming for Irene’s mother, who watched her daughter’s condition worsen before emergency air transport arrived.
“She started reacting by that point, and then the helicopter came,” Bartel said.
Airlifted to Hospital for Emergency Treatment
UCHealth’s LifeLine medical helicopter team flew Irene to Children’s Hospital Colorado, where she received emergency treatment, including antivenom administered during the flight.
The rapid response by park rangers, dispatchers and medical crews ultimately saved Irene’s life.
Thankfully, after weeks of recovery, Irene was able to walk again and make a remarkable comeback.
“She was walking a few weeks later and has made a full recovery and is doing really great,” Bartel said.
Emotional Reunion Brings Tears and Gratitude
At the Survivors Event, Irene and her mother finally had the chance to personally thank the people who stepped in during the terrifying emergency.
For Bartel, the reunion was deeply emotional because first responders rarely hear what happens after the rescue ends.
High School Senior Killed on Way to Graduation Practice as Community Left Heartbroken by Sudden Loss
“Nobody contacts them after to say she’s okay, we’re fine. So it was really special to be able to thank them,” Bartel said.
For the emergency crews, the reunion served as a powerful reminder of why they chose careers focused on helping others.
“Usually you kind of just focus on the bad ones, and today you get to really focus on the good ones,” Jacoway said. “Getting to help people is why I do what I do, and so seeing the people you get to help really helps keep that fire going.”
Young Survivor Inspired by Her Rescuers
The life-saving rescue had such a major impact on Irene that she now dreams of becoming a park ranger herself someday.
To honor her bravery and inspiration, Colorado Parks and Wildlife surprised Irene during the event with a special “future park ranger” award along with a stuffed animal.
The heartwarming moment turned a once terrifying memory into a story of hope, courage and gratitude.
What do you think about this emotional rescue and reunion story? Share your thoughts respectfully in the comments below.
