The BC Ambulance service paged Coquitlam SAR at approximately 10:45 Saturday October 14th to asist them accessing an unconscious 16 year old student in the Widgeon Falls area. About 25 members responded to the Coquitlam Town Centre Firehall where they were met by a helicopter from Talon Helicopters (it should be noted that at the time 6 members were about to attend a first aid course, and several other members were training on the team's Rigid Hull Inflatable boat).

A team of three SAR members which included a Medical Doctor and a Paramedic were flown into the area, while a second team was sent by ground via the Argo 8x8 ATV. A third team of five followed in Coquitlam 2 to secure the landing zone for the helicopter, and provide support for the first two teams. At the same time preparations were underway to perform a long line rescue with the assistance of North Shore Rescue and a second Talon helicopter.

When Coquitlam SAR arrived on the scene the subject was conscious, stable and was only complaining of minor neck pain. The decision was made to transport immediately. The team packaged the subject on a stretcher, carried it to where the helicopter could hover, and loaded the subject into the helicopter. The helo flew back to Town Centre Firehall where it was met by the BC Ambulance Service at approximately 12:45. Long line rescue was not required, although having it available as an option was very much appreciated.

This is the fourth time in six years that we've responded to this area for an injured subject, and each time it's a new adventure. Close to Vancouver but still difficult to access without a boat, ATV or helicopter, all of which have been unused individually or in combination for previous tasks. A time from call-out to completed rescue of 3 hours can be considered a record for an area with these access issues. Without a helicopter however, the rescue would have taken at least 2 hours longer.