News Releases

 

A Cormorant crew was launched out of 19 Wing Comox Sunday afternoon, Aug 6, to rescue a 26-year-old female who had been injured falling down an icy cliff into a crevice. The Joint Rescue Coordination Centre in Victoria had received the call for assistance and in response tasked the 442 Squadron helicopter to the area, approximately 20 kilometres from Toba Inlet on Vancouver Island.

The woman had been hiking in a remote area with two others when she slipped and fell about 10 metres down a steep slope in the mountains at almost 1900 metres above sea level.

"The group was well prepared, they had first aid training and a satellite phone," said Master Warrant Office Mike Vattheuer, search and rescue technician (SAR Tech). "They knew there was a potential for head and neck injuries, though they did not know the extent. Their quick reaction and preparation ensured JRCC knew there was a requirement to get a rescue crew in and that we knew exactly where to go."

Once on scene, the Cormorant pilots performed a two-wheel hover at a safe area above the location of the injured woman and two SAR Techs exited the helicopter and began a precarious climb down to the patient.

"Our patient was conscious and in good spirits, and though she was in pain and unhappy about being injured, she was definitely glad to see us," Vattheuer said. "We packaged her up tightly and prepared her for the hoist to the helicopter."

The patient and SAR Techs were hoisted 25 metres back into the hovering helicopter. The SAR Techs continued medical protocols during the flight to Campbell River Hospital, where the woman was transferred to hospital staff. The injured hiker's current condition is unknown.

Cormorant crewmembers: Capt. Sean Morris, aircraft commander, Capt. Trevor Pellerin, first officer, Master Cpl. Carl Schouten, flight engineers and Master Warrant Officer Mike Vattheuer and Master Cpl. Chad Hildebrandt, search and rescue technicians.

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Joint Rescue Coordination Centre (Victoria) media line: (250) 363 2995

19 Wing Public Affairs, Capt Cheryl Robinson: (250) 339-8263