On March 13, Elkford Search and Rescue (SAR) was tasked to assist an injured skier near the Elk Lakes Cabin.

Members were called out around 9 p.m., and by that point it was already dark. Helicopter access was no longer an option.

Sparwood Search and Rescue members responded by snowmobile overnight and they were able to get to the subject within a few hours to stabilize them.

The following day, Ascent Helicopters Ltd assisted us with access and extraction so the subject could be transported to BC Ambulance for further care. From initial call to resolution, this response was approximately 17 hours and involved both Elkford and Sparwood SAR.

Yesterday (Jan. 27) early evening, we were once again tasked to go up the valley to assist an injured snowmobiler who sustained serious injuries.

Members responded with the assistance of Bighorn Helicopters to stabilize and extract the individual. Bighorn Helicopters then assisted in flying the subject to a location where they could receive rapid medical attention.

We wish both groups involved a smooth recovery and we thank them for being prepared. We also want to thank their friends who remained calm, called for help, and stayed in a location where we could easily find them.

These calls are a reminder of how quickly things can change in the backcountry. Timing can be the difference between a straightforward response and a much longer night. Both parties were with large groups who had a plan, had proper gear, and knew how to get help when it mattered most.

Thank you to the multiple agencies that helped out with both of these calls and to our SAR members from both teams who dropped everything when it mattered most.

Elkford Search and Rescue photo

Elkford Search and Rescue

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