On Monday afternoon, South Columbia Search and Rescue (SAR) was tasked out for a seriously injured snowboarder on Lightning Strike Mountain.
The team received mutual assistance from Nelson SAR and the regional Class D long line team (helicopter team) to help with evacuating the snowboarder.
“The subject had fallen and sustained a major head trauma and serious injuries and needed immediate medical intervention,” reported Mike Hudson, South Columbia SAR president.
“Nelson SAR was able to get their doctor on the helicopter, this was key to stabilize our subject,” Hudson explained. “Due to the seriousness of the subject’s injuries, we were able to arrange for the BC Ambulance Air Ambulance helicopter to arrive and transfer the patient from one helicopter to the other and to the regional hospital in Trail,” he added.
“Quick work by SAR crews, Kootenay Heli, BCEHS dispatch and air ambulance crews made this rescue come together well. Management of the situation and good air to ground operations were key in getting the right care out to our subject quickly.”
According to WestKootenayHiking.ca, Lightening Strike Ridge is located at (near) the top of Kootenay Pass.