Sunday, September 20, 2026

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KindnessUpworthy

Zipline guide’s quick reflexes save a woman’s hand, but his sweet talk saves her dignity

In a remarkable display of agility and empathy, Averie, a zipline guide at Crater Lake Zipline, saved a woman's hand from potential injury with his quick reflexes and softened the situation with his reassuring demeanor. As the woman approached the platform with her hand in a risky position, Averie acted swiftly to prevent harm, all while maintaining a calm and comforting presence. His ability to manage the physical safety of the situation while addressing the woman's emotional state with gentle encouragement highlights a unique blend of technical skill and emotional intelligence.

Averie's interaction did not end with the rescue; he ensured the woman felt understood and safe, explaining the incident with kindness and clarity. This approach not only preserved her dignity but also transformed a potentially traumatic experience into a memorable adventure. The incident underscores the importance of personal connection and professionalism in outdoor activities, setting a high standard for customer service in high-adrenaline environments. Averie's actions reflect the core mission of Crater Lake Zipline, which aims to foster meaningful connections and joyous experiences in nature.

Constructive analysis

The constructive-journalism lens: not just what happened, but what works.

The problem
The challenge was ensuring the safety of zipline participants while maintaining a positive experience even in potentially frightening situations.
The actions
Averie used quick reflexes to prevent injury and employed empathetic communication to reassure the guest.
Evidence of progress
The woman was unharmed and later enjoyed the course, indicating that Averie's approach effectively turned a near-miss into a positive outcome.
What we can learn
Others can learn the value of combining technical skills with emotional intelligence to enhance customer experience and safety in adventure tourism.
PERMA profile of this story

How this story scores across the PERMA dimensions.

Positive Emotion
8
Engagement
9
Relationships
9
Meaning
8
Accomplishment
9
PERMA

Character strengths in play

Top VIA strengths this story embodies.

  • Courage

    Averie acted quickly to prevent harm, demonstrating bravery in a high-stakes situation.

  • Kindness

    He ensured the woman felt understood and safe, explaining the incident with kindness and clarity.

  • Perspective

    Averie's ability to manage both the physical and emotional aspects of the situation reflects a deep understanding of human needs.

Try this today

Consider a situation where you might need to reassure someone in distress. Practice using calming and positive language to ease their concerns, focusing on empathy and clear communication to foster a sense of safety and understanding.