Volunteers with the Alberni Valley Rescue Squad and Royal Canadian Marine Search and Rescue (RCMSAR) Station 39 teamed up to rescue a hiker in medical distress in late July.
The hiker was on the Alberni Inlet Trail and experiencing mild symptoms of dehydration when the call went out for assistance late on July 23, 2024, an AVRS spokesperson said. "They had been out all day hiking, did not have enough water and were unable to navigate any further due to nightfall."
Because of the hiker's location along the trail the rescue squad requested help from RCMSAR to transport them by boat to the Inlet Trail closer to the subject, which meant a shorter hike for rescuers than it would have been if they had to start at the trail head.
The AVRS medical team provided an electrolyte drink and water, then the hiker and rescue team were transported back to a dock in Port Alberni where a BC EHS crew with an ambulance were waiting.
This was the second rescue in a few days for the AVRS volunteer crews.
The rescue squad was called out in the evening on July 15 to search for a hiker overdue from the Vancouver Island Trail between Mount Apps and Mount Cameron. The hiker had communicated she would meet up with someone at the trail head but never arrived. The individual waiting at the trail head called authorities after several hours.
Police were able to ping the overdue hiker's cellphone so volunteers had a starting point to begin searching, however the phone was turned off and no further pings were made. Two teams of volunteers were sent to cover the trails of Mount Apps and Mount Cameron; after several hours both teams returned to base to wait for daylight. Volunteers with Arrowsmith SAR in Qualicum Beach and Comox Valley Search and Rescue were called in to assist, as well as Airspan Helicopters.
Shortly into the second day of searching RCMP were able to connect with the subject when she turned her phone back on, an AVRS spokesperson said. The hiker was found by searchers a short time later.
Searchers remind hikers to make a trip plan and then follow through with the intended plan or communicate any changes via cellphone, satellite phone or inReach device.
Hikers are also reminded to carry the "10 essentials" with them, including:
A navigation device such as GPS
Communication device (inReach or cellphone)
Light source (flashlight, headlamp)
Water and food
Sun protection
Extra clothing
First aid supplies
Firestarter
Emergency shelter/blanket
Pocket knife
