A multi-agency response to an injured Ruckle Provincial Park hiker ultimately brought by boat to Ganges and then Lady Minto Hospital was a demonstration of “incredible teamwork and collaboration,” say rescuers.
Salt Spring Island Search and Rescue (SSISAR) was tasked by BC Emergency Health Services to assist Thursday, Feb. 5 in a technical evacuation of an injured hiker at Ruckle Provincial Park. The person had slipped on wet rocks along a trail, according to officials, sustaining injuries that required a stretcher-based extraction over challenging terrain.
At Ruckle, ground teams joined Salt Spring Island Fire Rescue personnel, who had provided initial medical care at the scene. After a joint medical assessment, SSISAR’s medical team determined an evacuation by sea from a nearby beach would be safest for the patient — and the most comfortable way to get to the hospital.
“The injured subject was repackaged in a vacuum spine board and Ready Heat blanket,” according to SSISAR, “for better hypothermia and injury control.”
After administering additional pain relief, the patient was stretcher-carried by rescuers and firefighters to the awaiting Royal Canadian Marine Search and Rescue Station 20 vessel from Pender Island. The patient was then transferred to BC Emergency Health Services paramedics in Ganges and transported to the hospital in stable condition.
“This response demonstrated the incredible teamwork and collaboration between multiple agencies,” according to SSISAR, “all working together to help an individual in need . . . This call highlights the fantastic working relationships we have on Salt Spring and the Gulf Islands.”
Rescuers also extended their gratitude to bystanders who assisted at the scene, and reminded islanders there is no cost for rescue on Salt Spring Island.