Injured snowmobiler rescued from provincial park

Central Okanagan Search and Rescue (COSAR) was called out to Greystokes Provincial Park late Wednesday, Dec. 21, to help rescue an injured snowmobiler.

COSAR received a report that the female rider had lost control of the machine, struck a tree and fell into a tree well with serious injuries.

COSAR activated its snowmobile and medical team, who went to the first cabin where they acted as a communication relay and lit a fire in case the subject needed treatment at the site.

The advance team then located the rider and requested a helicopter to assist in the extraction as the patient was injured and the trail’s conditions were rough.

COSAR stabilized the injured rider and, with the assistance of North Shore Rescue who were called in to help as they offer the only night-time flying capability with night vision and night time winch capabilities in the province, the rider was airlifted to Kelowna Airport then transported to Kelowna General Hospital.

COSAR noted the injured patient’s riding partner did a great job stabilizing the patient and moving her to the Hilltin cabin and out of the -34 degree cold weather.

This was COSAR’s 83 call for service this year.