It was a busy long weekend for search and rescue crews across Vancouver Island, with multiple calls for help.
One incident involved a 70-year-old mountain biker who was injured and had to be airlifted from Englishman River Falls on Friday.
Arrowsmith Search and Rescue (ASAR) responded to the situation, which occurred when the cyclist took a hard fall on one of the park’s challenging trails.
A bystander called 911, reporting that the man lost consciousness after falling down a steep embankment.
Rescue crews faced a long hike to locate the man, who had regained consciousness but was suffering from significant back pain. Due to the incident’s location and rough terrain, ASAR called in a helicopter to hoist the man out of the area to a waiting ambulance.
Juan De Fuca Search and Rescue (JDF SAR) also had a busy start to the long weekend.
On Thursday evening, JDF SAR was called in after a hiker suffered a lower body injury in East Sooke Park. A combined team, including JDF SAR, Metchosin Search and Rescue, and PEMO Search and Rescue, stretcher-carried the individual out.
On Saturday morning, JDF SAR, Shirley Fire, and BC Ambulance Services assisted a hiker with significant injuries at China Beach.
Search and rescue game a shoutout to the bystanders who heard the injured hiker’s whistle blows, called 911, and directed first responders to the hiker’s location.
