Search and rescue team bravely saved a life

Thursday, 05 March 2009

Most people go through life hoping they will never have to find out how they would handle an emergency. The amazing people on the Coquitlam Search and Rescue team deal with such situations all the time. These volunteers are inspiring and my friend Sam owes them his life.

On Sunday, four of us were returning from an overnight hiking trip in Indian Arm Provincial Park. Sam was the first in line to attempt the path along the mountainside, but the snow that had made the trip possible with snowshoes the previous day had turned to slush and Sam slid when his snowshoe contacted a rock. After sliding 10 feet, he dislocated his kneecap and tore a ligament trying to get back on the path. This sudden pain caused him to let go of the tree that had stopped his slide, so he fell another 100 feet into a ravine.

We were unable to reach him or even see him, but by yelling we learned his knee was hurt too badly to try to get out of the ravine himself. We stayed on the trail calling to Sam to try to keep his spirits up and called 911. Coquitlam SAR responded immediately after being contacted by the Coquitlam RCMP. Using both a helicopter and a ground team, they airlifted us to the bottom of the mountain where an ambulance was waiting. Sam was treated for his knee injuries and mild hypothermia, and is now recovering at home.

The Coquitlam SAR members were inspiring to watch -- efficient, capable and calm during an emergency. We were reassured by their considerate and positive demeanor; they reassured us that although we had been well prepared and made the right decisions, accidents still happen. Because of their efforts, this one did not result in tragedy.

We urge the community and local government to increase their awareness and support for this crucial team of volunteers.

Melissa Woodward

Maple Ridge

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