Injured local hiker rescued via helicopter from rugged backcountry
By Trail Champion
South Columbia Search and Rescue was tasked out by BCEHS services at aprox 11:35 am for a 62-year-old female hiker who had fallen and sustained some injuries and was unable to hike out, according to SCSAR Preident Mike Hudson
“The location was up in Miral Heights (near Trail), the subject and three other friends, very avid hikers and from our local area, set out for an afternoon hike at the trail head,” Hudson said. “The hiking group was approximately four km or 45 mins away from the trail head when the incident occurred. Luckily, one of the members of the group was a retired nurse. Another member quicky headed out to call for help and meet crews at the trail head.”
Hudson said the trail was in very poor shape due to the rapid changes in recent weather and was very icy and had unstable footing. Rescuers and BCEHS members found it challenging to access the subject.
“Eleven members responded, some of (whom) were part of SCSAR’s advanced medical team. We also had two BC Ambumance members and a nurse to help assess our subject and help her with her injuries and mitigate mild hypothermia. SCSAR members built a shelter and a fire to keep our subject warm while we waited for a helicopter to arrive. Our subject had sustained a major arm break which included a compromised shoulder.
“Due to the injuries and terrain concerns for an evacuation, it was determined to use our local CDFL helicopter extraction team. Members of Nelson Sar and Kootenay Valley Helicopters did a long line evacuation to our staging area to an awaiting ambulance.”
Hudson said a quick response by SCSAR members, BCEHS and friends of the subject meant the woman was successfully rescued within about three-and-a-half hours
“We would like to thank all the members who attended, Nelson SAR and the helicopter team, as well as the BCEHS attendants for their help making this rescue a success.”
Call start at 11:45am
SCSAR on scene 12:02 pm
Evacuated by helicopter to ambulance 3:30pm
Call completed 4:30pm
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