Being well-prepared helped an injured hiker get rescued by Vernon Search and Rescue (VSAR).
Vernon North Okanagan RCMP contacted VSAR mid-afternoon Sunday, June 8, requesting assistance with an injured climber in the Pinnacle Mountains east of Vernon.
A small group of three (and their dog) was on a steep alpine slope high on Mt. Severide near a waterfall when the snow gave way beneath one of the hikers.
He began to slide down the ice, coming to rest about 200 feet below. The experienced climbers recognized that the subject had a fractured leg, and that they were in trouble.
"Thankfully, they were well-prepared and were able to send an SOS through their GPS communication devices," said VSAR on its Facebook page.
Search volunteers were mobilized, and the VSAR helicopter winch team members responded. A ground team was sent out as well to make their approach up the mountain roads and trails.
It was the heli-winch rescue team that reached the injured party first, and was able to stabilize the man, transport the remaining group members to the trail head below, and return to pick up the subject for direct transportation to a waiting ambulance at the Vernon Regional Airport.
The ground-based team members returned to base, thankful for not having to make the gruelling estimated six-hour hike up the mountain to the accident area.
"This successful mission was made possible through a coordinated effort of RCMP, BCEHS, and volunteer SAR teams," said VSAR. "A special 'thank you' to Air Rescue One Heli Winch Society (AROHWS) for providing flight crew, winch, and rescue helicopter.
"Considering the added challenge of high density altitude and tight mountainous terrain, this mountain rescue owes much to the experience and talented skills of the helicopter pilot as well."
Vernon Search and Rescue would like to remind Okanagan residents and visitors that often wilderness conditions are quite different between those of the mountain peaks and valley bottoms.
In order to play safe, one should always have experienced members along, be prepared for changing conditions or accidents, and carry backups of critical gear such as these climbers did by having multiple emergency GPS communication devices.
For more tips and life-saving ideas which make the BC Outdoors safer and more enjoyable, visit .
