Fernie Search and Rescue

Update on Fernie SAR responses since our last update. The team has been busy throughout the late summer and Fall:-

· Biking injuries on both Contra and Trail Dogs that required extrication;
· A couple of searches for missing people, one at Rosen Lake and one in Wardner, providing K9 support to a neighbouring SAR group, as well as a missing 12 year old in the Castle Mountain area – all were found safe and well;
· A call from a hiker on Mt Procter who felt scared there might be bears in the area (please don’t call SAR for this!);
· A hiker with a broken leg on Heiko’s Trail;
· A couple of callouts to support Waterton Parks Visitor Safety for missing and injured hikers;
· A rescue of a 65 year old woman injured near the top of Mt Fernie after a fall off the trail.

Overwhelming themes are that accidents happen, as much as you may prepare. What differentiates a good outcome from a bad one is what planning has been made in case of an incident. Being able to call for help, having first aid and warm clothing and knowing that someone somewhere will call for help for you if needed (a trip plan) make a huge difference. This will become all the more pronounced as we head into the colder weather – wilderness rescue can take hours – specialised resources are not always immediately available. Sitting in the sun waiting for help is very different to sitting in the rain or snow.

As always, rescues are teamwork with our amazing partners at the RCMP, BCAS and Fernie Fire/Rescue. Many rescues require the expertise of our colleagues at Ascent and Bighorn Helicopters.

Stay safe out there!

#bcsara

Please note this important safety message.

River users please be aware of a new and dangerous hazard at the logjam behind the Fernie dump.

A new sweeper (fallen tree) is making river right exceptionally dangerous. A number of people have become entangled in it. Please exit river and walk beyond the hazard unless you are in a river craft that can be easily steered.