Spencer Hospital paramedics Chris Meyer and Brian Trojahn were surprised with Team GEM Awards last week for their role in saving the life of a Sutherland woman late last summer.

Denise Steffen nominated the two professionals. The pair was called to an accident scene by the Peterson Community Response Unit, which sought assistance to care for the critically-injured Steffen. She had been horseback riding with friends when a creek bank collapsed, causing her and her horse to fall, and for Steffen to get accidentally stepped on. She suffered 10 broken ribs, a broken clavicle and other internal damage. The rescue crew made the quick decision to call for a medical helicopter to come to the scene to transport the injured woman to a trauma center.

Meyer and Trojahn were honored with a Team GEM award, which recognizes Spencer Hospital personnel who "go the extra mile" in providing exceptional care. Family, friends and co-workers, along with Steffen and other members of her rescue team, surprised the pair at a short presentation Feb. 20.

Trojahn, of Spencer, is a Moneta native. His wife, Emily, owns and operates Daily Grind in Hartley.