Kevin Sturmer

About Kevin

I live in Estes Park Colorado where I have worked as a Climbing Ranger/Paramedic for ten years for the National Park Service at Rocky Mountain National Park. I received my start as a Climbing Ranger by taking my love for Climbing and combining it with my Emergency Services background which now allows me to provide Search and Rescue services to the public.

Career Background

I was fortunate enough to blend my love for Climbing and BC skiing with my passion to help folks in need as a Paramedic to become an NPS Climbing Ranger. My position at Rocky requires me to be in the Backcountry everyday climbing, skiing or hiking, talking with the parks visitors. When there is an emergency within the park Search and Rescue becomes my main duty. Although this job is hard on both the mind and body I hope to perform this job for the next twenty years of my career.

Treatment Procedure and Recovery Plan

I received a Rotator cuff, Shoulder Labrum and Biceps Tendon repair on my left shoulder. My injury was sustained while Alpine Climbing on an Expedition to The French Valley, Torre Del Paine National Park, Chile. My surgeon Dr. Hackett from the Steadman Clinic advised me of a recovery time of four to six months to full recovery and back to climbing. Thanks to the amazing work of Dr. Hackett and Ross Bodine at Alta Physical Therapy, I was able to return to full work duty and most importantly full climbing in four months!

Testimonial

"It is impossible for me to put into words how thankful and lucky I am to have had the financial assistance of the Kees Brenninkmeyer Foundation. As a Climbing Ranger both my career and life passion is completely reliant on healthy, functioning shoulders. The foundation’s support allowed me to have my shoulder injury repaired by the best surgeon and medical facility, as well as gave me the opportunity to perform rehabilitation with the best of the best in rehabilitation resources. Without a doubt the support of the Foundation was a direct result of my speedy and one hundred percent full recovery. My shoulder has never worked better and the Kees Brenninkmeyer Foundation absolutely made this happen. I could have never had this procedure without the Foundation. Thank you for returning passion to my life. "

- Kevin Sturmer