In this episode of the Crux True Survival Stories Podcast, hosts Kaycee McIntosh and Julie Henningsen recount the extraordinary tale of Kevin DePaolo, a 26-year-old adventurer from New York who finds himself pinned under a massive boulder in the Eastern California desert. Struggling with excruciating pain and the imminent threat of bleeding out, DePaolo's survival hinges on the quick thinking of his friend Josh Nelson, a network of rescue teams, and a daring nighttime helicopter extraction. Through a detailed narrative, listeners will experience the intense moments of fear, desperation, and incredible teamwork that ultimately saved Kevin's life. This episode not only highlights the importance of emergency preparedness but also underscores the power of friendship and human resilience in the face of life-threatening challenges.

00:42 Meet the Hosts

01:09 Setting the Scene

01:41 The Accident Strikes

03:22 Immediate Aftermath and First Aid

05:42 Rescue Efforts Begin

12:22 Search and Rescue Team Mobilizes

16:44 Nighttime Rescue Operation

26:02 Medical Treatment and Recovery

27:14 Reflection and Gratitude

30:25 Conclusion and Listener Engagement

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Sources

1. SF Gate - "'I'm going to die': Hiker recounts harrowing rescue in California mountains"

2. SF Chronicle - "A daring rescue to save an injured hiker in the California wilderness"

3. Reader's Digest - "Between a Rock and a Hard Place"

4. KMPH/KSEE (Fresno) - "Hiker crushed by boulder recovering at Fresno hospital"

5. ABC30 (Fresno) - "A daring rescue to save an injured hiker in the California wilderness"

6. New York Times/Spokesman-Review - "Hiker pinned under boulder for 10 hours: 'I'm going to die up here'"

7. Active NorCal - "'I'm Going to Die Up Here': Hiker Recounts Harrowing 10-Hours Trapped"

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