For the second time in two days, Comox Valley Ground Search and Rescue was tasked by BC Ambulance for medical rescues in Strathcona Provincial Park.
The first occurred on Monday afternoon, with a call to evacuate a 15-year-old with a hip injury who was unable to walk out under his own power.
CVGSAR members were flown by Grizzly Helicopters of Campbell River to the location on a ridge above Moat Lake to assess the injury and to package the teen for transport. The patient was flown to Raven Lodge on Mount Washington, where he was transferred into the care of paramedics from the BC Ambulance Service.
On Tuesday afternoon, CVGSAR was activated by BCAS, this time for a female subject with undetermined head injuries from a fall while hiking in the park.
Ascent Helicopters from Qualicum Beach flew SAR members directly to the scene near Lady and Circlet lakes. Once on scene, CVGSAR members assessed the subject and determined she was to be flown directly to hospital.
She was transferred to the care of the St. Joseph's emergency department in Comox and all SAR members returned to the hall.
Search manager Paul Berry commented that both rescue went smoothly thanks to the efficient co-operation of all agencies involved. Weather on both days provided ready helicopter access into these remote location of Strathcona Provincial Park.
Had the weather prevented flying, both operations would have involved many dozens of rescuers hiking in, then carrying stretchers over difficult terrain for many hours, Berry said.
— Comox Valley Ground Search and Rescue