Golden and District Search and Rescue have had a busy summer season so far, responding to several local calls, as well as helping with mutual aid with other area SAR groups.
On Friday, July 15 GADSAR responded to a climber who was crushed by a rock while climbing Pigeon Spire. GADSAR responded with three technicians and conducted a sling rescue in a limited weather window. The seriously injured subject was slung to the lodge and transferred to another machine. A GADSAR technician plus CMH guides flew the subject back to Golden where he was transferred to BCAS (BC Ambulance Service).
On Friday July 22 GADSAR was tasked by the RCMP to respond and assist Parks Safety in Yoho National Park to look for a missing boy who’d fallen in the Yoho River near Takkakaw Falls. The search was suspended at dark that evening and Parks Canada and the RCMP continued their efforts the following days. The search unfortunately ended with Parks personnel recovering the body from the Kicking Horse River days later.
On Sunday, July 24 GADSAR was tasked by the RCMP to respond to an injured climber on the northeast Ridge of Bugaboo Spire. The weather cooperated and the SAR Techs were able to spot the climbers and access them on a ledge. They were able to bring both members of the party out on the long line.
On Sunday, July 24 GADSAR was tasked by BCAS to respond to a report of a downed paraglider around 2300 metres just southwest of the peak of Mount 7. Three SAR techs responded by helicopter and accessed the subject with long line rescue. The subject was then transferred to BCAS and pronounced deceased by a doctor at that time.
On Sunday, July 31 GADSAR responded to the Bugaboo Spire for a climber who had sustained leg injuries from a large boulder that had pulled out. Luckily, the climber was not pinned and SAR techs were able to access him via long line rescue. SAR Techs stabilized the leg injuries and transported him back to Golden where he was transferred to BCAS.
Also on Sunday, July 31 GADSAR was tasked by the RCMP to respond to an injured climber on Mount Nimbus. The subject had a dislocated shoulder and was extricated via long line. The climber was released to his trip organizers and they made their own way to the hospital.
On Monday, August 1 GADSAR was tasked by BCAS to respond to an injured climber on the Bugaboo Spire. The climber had a dislocated shoulder which had reduced itself by time SAR reached the subject. He was transported back to the hut where he was staying.
On Friday, August 6 GADSAR was requested for mutual aid by Fernie SAR to help a cliffed out hiker at Fernie Alpine Resort. Three SAR techs were able to rescue the hiker via helicopter.
Up to date information on GADSAR’s call-outs can be seen on their Facebook page.
GADSAR would like to thank Alpine Helicopters Inc., and all the other organizations that help them safely and efficiently respond to emergency calls.
