Sparwood Search and Rescue came to the aid of an injured hiker in the Flathead Pass area over the long weekend.
Responding to a call from the BC Ambulance Service, Sparwood SAR sent out an initial response team by helicopter to the Flathead Pass are southeast of Sparwood on Saturday evening, August 3, 2019.
The hiker had reportedly suffered a shoulder injury after a fall and would not have been able to hike back out by herself.
“A ground team with ATV’s was assembled to assist if needed, as the subject’s exact location was unclear,” added Sparwood SAR. “After a brief search the subject’s party was located, and she was flown out of the area to a waiting ambulance.”
Following the rescue and an increased number of calls over the long weekend, Sparwood SAR said its vitally important for people to be trained and prepared for emergencies.
“Like much of the backcountry in the Kootenays, the Flathead area is considered very remote as there is almost no communication infrastructure and emergency response times are often measured in hours or even longer depending on terrain, weather and darkness.”
Sparwood SAR said anyone heading into the backcountry should be taking essential equipment and have a detailed trip plan.
More on backcountry safety: BC AdventureSmart