An injured Squamish mountain biker has four local outfits to thank following a helicopter rescue in the woods, with nearly 30 volunteers coming to his aid.
Everything began with a steep drop just off the Larvicide Trail that caused the mountain biker, who was out with friends, to crash into the foliage and mangle his leg on July 22. Luckily, his friends were well-prepared, keeping him hydrated and warm while alerting authorities.
“We were tasked out just after 8:30 p.m. and wrapped up the operation around midnight. Because of the severity of the injury and impending darkness, we called North Shore Rescue and Talon Helicopters for mutual aid. They have night hoist capabilities,” Christy Allan of Squamish Search and Rescue told The Squamish Chief.
“The rescue was done by Squamish Search and Rescue (19 members), Squamish Fire Rescue (seven members) and North Shore SAR (three members). We used the helicopter with night hoist capability to extricate the subject and transfer him to BC Ambulance.”
Things could have easily taken much longer.
“Without this capability, we estimate it would have taken approximately eight hours to extract the subject in what would have been a very technical stretcher carry.”
The team had little time to rest, because the following day involved two more rescues.
“The first call was received shortly after [noon] for a stranded hiker on the Stadium Glacier. The subject had slipped and become separated from his ice axe,” Squamish Search and Rescue wrote on Facebook.
“Given the steep, exposed terrain and deteriorating travel conditions, he made the correct decision to remain in place and request assistance. Shortly after, we received a second call for an injured mountain biker near Elfin Lakes.”
Black Tusk Helicopters provided multiple shuttles for rescuers on July 23.
These situations were a stark reminder of the potential vulnerability of outdoor enthusiasts using the trails around Squamish.
“Even in trails close to neighbourhoods, rescues can take a lot of time and helicopter access is not always possible due to weather and/or darkness. Always make sure that you have food, water, extra clothes, a well-charged communication device and headlamps in case you are injured in the afternoon and the rescue moves into the evening or night hours,” she said.
“Always let someone know where you are and when you are expected back.”
