In mid December, Central Okanagan Search and Rescue members were on a weekend snowmobile training exercise in the Greystokes area when a serious accident occurred.
When the accident occurred, team members were immediately in a position to help the injured member, according to a COSAR news release. While some members evaluated the subject’s injuries and provided first aid, others packaged the subject to prevent hypothermia while waiting for extraction. A few more members slowed approaching snowmobiles or relayed information to base.
The member was then transported to hospital by helicopter five hours after the initial accident.
COSAR member, Edward Henczel says that the member sustained significant back injuries as well as a fractured hand and that they had to spend two nights in the hospital after a snowmobile rolled on them.
This accident was not an uncommon one. At this time of year search and rescue teams across B.C. are called out multiple times a week to locate and help lost and injured snowmobilers, backcountry skiers, snowboarders, and hikers, the news release said.
COSAR recommends having a trip plan, ensuring you’re properly training and taking essential items when snowmobiling in the backcountry.
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