The rescue of an injured snowmobiler in the Revelstoke backcountry over the weekend shows that a properly equipped trip can lead to a quick rescue, RCMP say.
On Saturday, Jan. 12, the Revelstoke RCMP was contacted by the International Response Centre, who told them an emergency beacon was activated in the Eagle Pass area. The report indicated a snowmobiler was trapped under his sled and was suffering from back and chest injuries.
Revelstoke Search and Rescue was contacted and they were able to locate and evacuate the injured snowmobiler to Queen Victoria Hospital. The Cherryville, B.C., resident had some bruising and was later released from hospital.
According to RCMP, the 45-year-old was riding up a steep bank when his snowmobile flipped over and he was pinned underneath.
On Sunday, an emergency beacon was activated in the Downie Loop area. RCMP said a group from Alberta was snowmobiling in the Keystone Basin area when a 20-year-old Edmonton man dislocated his shoulder.
“The group was having difficulty getting him off the mountain so (they) activated the beacon,” the RCMP reported.
The group was able to get the man off the mountain and SAR was called back while en route to the scene. The man was taken to Queen Victoria Hospital where he was treated for his injury.
“When using the back country being prepared is essential,” said Staff-Sgt. Jacquie Olsen of the Revelstoke RCMP. “Well maintained equipment, proper avalanche training and equipment, as well as adequate communications with emergency services should always be considered before heading out to enjoy the mountains.”
