Another successful rescue after a PLB was activated. What is interesting about this is the relative short time frame from when the PLB was activated (approx 5:45 pm) and by 7:15 pm, a RCMP chopper was on the scene. Given the area and distance from the westcoast mainland (2 ferry trips) this really proves that carrying a PLB...and knowing when to activate it, can mean a difference between life and death had the injuries been more severe and required advanced emergency medical care on the mainland or the South Vancouver island hospitals.

A distress call from an emergency beacon helped Powell River RCMP save a 47-year-old North Vancouver woman from a “potentially life threatening situation” hiking atop an icy slope near Center Lake on Sunday.

Around 5:45 p.m. the woman and another hiker were ice hiking along a mountainside north of Powell River when the woman lost her footing and fell down the icy slope, striking her head on an exposed rock area.

Luckily, Powell River Search and Rescue and RCMP were able to quickly respond as the hikers used an emergency beacon with a GPS locater.

“It’s almost a lifeline for people that are going to do some of these more extreme sports or activities,” said Lagan.

An RCMP helicopter found the hikers by 7:15 p.m. and the woman was treated for a head injury on scene and flown to the Powell River Hospital where her injuries were reported as non-life threatening.

“It just could have easily been the other scenario,” said Lagan. “(But) in this case these people were properly equipped.”

A good example of well things can work....

And for the other side of the coin, check out this ongoing search. (from NPS Morning Report). Which situation would you prefer?

Today's Report | Recent Editions
Wednesday, August 01, 2012


INCIDENTS

Glacier National Park
Search Continues For Missing Concession Employee

The air and ground search for 19-year-old Jakson Kreiser, missing since he failed to return from a day hike last Saturday, continued yesterday. The park is using forward looking infrared technology (FLIR) technology in its efforts to find him. The cameras, provided by the Flathead County Sheriff’s Office, detect heat sources and are being used in early morning operations before rocks and vegetation warm up. Canine search teams from the US Border Patrol are also being utilized, as well as trackers from the North Valley Search and Rescue Team. The search is centered on the area between Hidden Lake and Avalanche Lake. Kreiser’s vehicle was located in the Logan Pass Visitor Center parking lot and it is believed that he was attempting a day hike from Logan Pass to Avalanche Lake. His intended route would include treacherous country filled with rock cliffs, waterfalls, wet and slippery rocks and boulders, and dense vegetation. The descent is more than 4,000 feet on steep slopes. Kreiser is a seasonal employee with Glacier Park, Inc. at Lake McDonald Lodge. A park incident management team has been organized and is managing the incident. Approximately 50 people are dedicated to the operation. Kreiser is from Michigan, and this is his first year working in the area. He is 6 feet 2 inches tall with black, short and curly hair and a black beard. It is believed that he is wearing a yellow sweatshirt and grey colored khaki pants is and carrying a grey and yellow backpack. Anyone who may have been in the Logan Pass, Hidden Lake, Floral Park or Avalanche Lake areas over the weekend and may have seen Kreiser is encouraged to contact park dispatch at 406-888-7800.
[Submitted by Denise Germann, Public Affairs Officer]