Arrowsmith Search and Rescue has been certified to perform helicopter hoist and fixed-line rescues with Ascent Helicopters in Parksville.
They achieved this in partnership with the Alberni Valley Rescue Squad. Both groups received the certification from Emergency Management and Climate Readiness (EMCR formerly EMBC).
Just one month into the program, they have already responded to five separate calls on Vancouver Island.
On July 3, the Arrowsmith hoist team was called to assist Juan de Fuca SAR to evacuate an injured hiker off the Juan de Fuca trail south of Port Renfrew. While finishing that call they were tasked to rescue a woman in medical distress from Mt. Arrowsmith.
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Alberni team members hoisted two French tourists from the Beaufort Range on June 14, a stuck paraglider on July 1 and five climbers stuck on Peak 5040 on July 2.
In each of these incidents hoist team members were able to quickly respond to remote locations which drastically reduced the time and effort required to bring the subjects to safety.
“One month into the program and it is proving to be an extremely valuable resource,” ASAR stated in a press release. “Big thanks to Ascent Helicopters for their support, machines and expertise. Also big thanks to BC Wildfire for freeing up the helicopter.”
— NEWS Staff