Snowboarder Airlifted to Hospital After Spending the Night in Wilderness
Despite being injured on the slopes, a snowboarder was forced to stay outdoors at night, first responders say, reminding us to be prepared for any scenario.
In Strathcona Park’s Mount Allan Brooks Area, the boarder and her partner were on a day trip for a day at the end of November.
They called 911 after becoming injured after trying to return home but realized they would not be able to get back before dark.
Because of heavy snow, a ski team was sent to reach the couple almost six hours after they were reported missing by CVSAR.
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In the early hours of the morning, it was 1:30 a.m. Pacific Time by the time the team arrived and first aid was administered.
An airlift to Nanaimo Hospital occurred once daylight arrived.
CVSAR says it responded to two rescues over the weekend, including helping an injured snowmobiler on Saturday behind Mount Washington.
After a relatively dry winter last year, Comox Valley Search and Rescue’s Paul Berry believes people are eager to climb mountains this year after so much fresh snow.
This weekend, it seemed as if people were hunkered down waiting for the first snow to fall and popping out to enjoy the outdoors.
While they were nicely equipped for a day of outdoor activities, they didn’t pack for an overnight stay.
As a reminder, he said, one should always be prepared for the worst-case scenario.
Tyson Rettie, an Avalanche Canada forecaster, echoed that sentiment.
A backcountry trip during shoulder season is especially vulnerable to unexpected changes, so anyone heading there should know how to handle an accident.
Before heading out in the snow, people need to take an avalanche training course, carry companion rescue equipment, and read the weather forecasts every day.
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