Teen in quad accident rescued

West Kelowna Fire Rescue (WKFR) responded to a report of an accident involving an all-terrain “Quad” vehicle, approximately one kilometer above the Tallus Ridge subdivision in West Kelowna around 11 a.m. Saturday.

The rider, a youth in his early teens, was coming down a trail when he lost control of the vehicle and flipped over, sustaining injuries to his lower body.

WKFR, which was on another emergency call at the time, initially responded with an engine, a rescue truck and a command unit.

Given the location of the injured rider up the trail, WKFR also deployed its new off-road Utility Vehicle (UTV 32).

“Based out of Station 32 (Lakeview Heights), this is a custom-designed UTV, optimized for quick fire suppression in difficult to reach areas of the wildland-urban interface, as well as rescue on the City’s numerous hiking and mountain biking trails,” said Brent Watson, assistant chief.

Arriving on scene, UTV 32 picked up additional medical supplies and a BC Ambulance paramedic, and quickly continued up the trail to the injured patient. The patient was stabilized, packaged and transported to KGH for further assessment.

WKFR is thanking BC Ambulance, Kelowna Fire Dispatch and the RCMP for their assistance with today’s rescue.

“WKFR reminds off-road enthusiasts to ride within their limits, always carry emergency supplies and a charged phone, and to tell friends or family where they are going,” Watson added..