Comox Valley Search and Rescue were called to locate, assess and transport a skier who was seriously injured over the weekend.
Despite the heat warning Vancouver Island is under, a 32-year-old man managed to find a bit of snow to ski near Moat Lake in Strathcona Park. However, things did not go as planned.
A post by Comox Valley Search and Rescue said on Facebook that "the 32-year-old man had been skiing on an isolated snowfield when he lost control, sustaining serious head and leg injuries that left him unable to move on his own."
The late time of day was tricky for the operation, as it came close to sunset.
"With only minutes left before the legal grounding time for most helicopters, a ground team was deployed on the 3-to-3.5 hour hike to reach him, while a request was made for a helicopter with night operations capability. North Shore Rescue was initially tasked but diverted to another priority, and 19 Wing鈥檚 442 Squadron was mobilized," the post says.
SAR Techs from 442, supported by a Cormorant helicopter, were able to hoist the man and transfer him to BCEHS for further care.
SAR said that the event is a good reminder that "emergency services are not just moments away. Mobilizing teams and reaching remote sites takes time, and factors like weather and darkness can add significant delays. Always carry an emergency communication device, call early, provide an accurate location, give clear details about the injured person and local conditions, and be prepared to wait. Help will come, but it may be hours before it arrives."
