Rescuers extracted an injured hiker from the Skookumchuck Narrows trail Saturday evening.
Through the combined efforts of Egmont and District Volunteer Fire Department, Sunshine Coast Search and Rescue (SAR), BC Emergency Health Services and family members, the hiker was extracted from Roland Point.
Sunshine Coast Regional District's communications manager, Aidan Buckley, told Coast Reporter that on Saturday, May 10, at 6:45 p.m., Egmont and District Volunteer Fire Department received a call about an individual with a lower leg injury at Roland Point – the very end of the Skookumchuck Narrows trail.
Five firefighters responded, hiking in with gear and an ATV. Buckley said they reached the hiker by 7:30 p.m. Four firefighters, along with three family members of the patient, began hand-carrying them out on a stretcher for a kilometre before SAR arrived with a stretcher better suited for rough terrain.
The patient was transferred to the SAR stretcher and was met BC Ambulance by 10:30 p.m.
The incident highlights the importance of being prepared for hikes, especially in remote areas, Buckley said on behalf of the fire department.
Responders also said the incident serves as a reminder that the trail to Skookumchuck should be treated as a day-hike, and that preparedness is key, and that essentials such as strong footwear, extra layers, food, a flashlight and telling someone where you’re going can help avoid dangerous situations.
Hikers are also reminded that Skookumchuck Narrows is a rural area, and that even first responders jumping into action take time to get there.
Jordan Copp is the Coast Reporter’s civic and Indigenous affairs reporter. This reporting beat is made possible by the Local Journalism Initiative.
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