Hiker had reason to be thankful this weekend
Lions Bay Search and Rescue (LBSAR) members were called away from their Thanksgiving weekend activities when a hiker slipped and injured her knee on Saturday. According to team lead Brent Calkin, LBSAR helicoptered a team of four members up to Hat Pass, where they hover-exited before hiking to the location of the injured hiker.
The hiker, a 27-year old woman, was unable to bear any weight on her injured knee and the area was deemed too unsafe for a stretcher carry. At that point, Calkin said, a decision was made to call in North Shore Rescue (NSR) to assist with a longline evacuation.
The LBSAR team splinted the hiker's leg and she and her hiking partner were fitted into evacuation harnesses. These scoop-shaped harnesses, known as 'screamer suits', support the patient in a semi-reclining position for the trip down.
The ride down was not only eventful for the hikers – it was an auspicious occasion for two Lions Bay SAR members who have been doing specialized training with North Shore Rescue.
"For the first time in Lions Bay history, there were two LBSAR technicians on the longline rescue, under the supervision of a NSR Air Operations Coordinator," says Calkin.
The helicopter can lift up to five people at a time, so the two LBSAR longline technicians, the patient and her hiking partner were all carried down to the safety of Lions Bay.
LBSAR provides rescue services without question or charge. Donations to help replace equipment and gear can be made HERE.
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