Yesterday afternoon Coquitlam SAR was activated by BCEHS (BC Ambulance) for two hikers, one with a lower limb injury, on Burke Mountain.
After “pinging” their cell phone using the Yourlo.ca/tion software, the team mustered and proceeded to locate the two hikers. Because of the nature of the injury, and the onset of darkness the team carried the subject via stretcher and drove via 4×4, and transferred the patient to BC Ambulance.
Notable on this search was that both the injured hiker and her companion had cell phones with over 50% battery life left. We can’t stress enough how important it is to conserve the battery life on your phone; when accidents happen it makes our job so much easier if you can call us, and we can get your location.
It’s also important to note that both the injured hiker and her friend were well prepared for their hike and the conditions on the trail. They carried extra clothing, and food and were prepared to wait for rescue. Additional items that could have made their evening more comfortable would have been fire starter or a simple tarp-based shelter.
Accidents like this can happen to anyone, this is why we recommend all hikers take basic equipment like the 10 Essentials. Read more about trip planning, training and taking the essentials at AdventureSmart.