A busy week for Vernon Search and Rescue (VSAR) volunteers started with crews hiking into Kalamalka Lake Provincial Park.
"Even before (Wednesday) night's successful search for our missing person in downtown Vernon, we started this week by responding to an injured climber in Cougar Canyon, who was immobilized with a suspected broken ankle," VSAR said.
Initially, a hasty advanced first aid team descended into the canyon on foot to locate, assess, and stabilize the subject.
"Arriving on scene, they found our subject stoic and in remarkably good spirits, and after a check-over, they moved onto keeping our subject as comfortable as possible."
A second team arrived with additional supplies, including a battery powered, wheeled stretcher for ground extraction, if required.
"However, if anyone has been hiking in Cougar Canyon, you will know the steep terrain it holds within it’s walls," VSAR said. "And after a quick deliberation as to how difficult, time consuming, and uncomfortable for our subject a ground extraction would be, the decision was made to bring in our Helicopter Winch crew and extract by air."
Rescuers on the ground prepped the area by clearing any vegetation that could become a danger due to the rotor-wash, while the subject patiently awaited their chariot.
Once the helicopter arrived, members of the winch team were lowered down, the subject transferred into their gear winched back up without incident.
The volunteer ground crew also took the time to show what it's like when a helicopter lands.
"Think hurricane force winds," they said, as they clear debris, secure loose clothing and equipment and don safety glasses and earplugs to brave the storm.
"We want to thank Air Rescue One Helicopter Winch Society (AROHWS) for providing the aircraft and the flight crew enabling this rescue."
VSAR warns that cell phone signals are difficult to obtain in Cougar Canyon. In fact, even their VHF radio communications were spotty ,"presumably due to the rocks and bluffs bouncing signals around."
The injured climber was able to get a call out to 911.
Other backcountry users are urged to similarly carry a dependable form of communication for wherever they might find themselves.
