Canada

Fog halts helicopter rescue, forcing dramatic change of plan on West Coast Trail

By
Megan Yamoah

Published: 

Fog forces change of plan during West Coast Trail medical rescue. (Alberni Valley Rescue Squad)
Fog forces change of plan during West Coast Trail medical rescue. (Alberni Valley Rescue Squad)

A medical emergency on the West Coast Trail south of Pachena Bay on Vancouver Island turned into a complex rescue Wednesday after coastal fog forced crews to abandon an attempted aerial extraction.

Rescuers transport a patient toward the Pachena Bay Information Centre.
Rescuers transport a patient toward the Pachena Bay Information Centre. West Coast Trail rescue unfolds after fog disrupts helicopter response near Pachena Bay. (Alberni Valley Rescue Squad)

The Alberni Valley Rescue Squad was called by Parks Canada late Wednesday afternoon to assist a person about one kilometre south of the Pachena Bay Information Centre.

AVRS initially responded with its regional Class D Fixed Line (CDFL) team and Airspan Helicopters. But as fog settled over the coast, visibility deteriorated and the planned long-line rescue could not safely proceed.

A medical emergency on the West Coast Trail sparked a complex rescue near Pachena Bay after coastal fog forced crews to abandon an aerial extraction attempt.
A medical emergency on the West Coast Trail sparked a complex rescue near Pachena Bay after coastal fog forced crews to abandon an aerial extraction attempt. A medical emergency on the West Coast Trail sparked a complex rescue near Pachena Bay after coastal fog forced crews to abandon an aerial extraction attempt. (Alberni Valley Rescue Squad)

Rescuers quickly shifted gears.

Two CDFL members and an advanced medical team made their way to the person on foot. After assessing the patient, crews developed a plan to bring them out as safely and efficiently as possible.

Another AVRS team then arrived with rope equipment to help with the extraction.

The West Coast Trail stretches through rugged terrain near Pachena Bay. (Alberni Valley Rescue Squad)
The West Coast Trail stretches through rugged terrain near Pachena Bay. The West Coast Trail stretches through rugged terrain near Pachena Bay. (Alberni Valley Rescue Squad)

The patient was safely brought to the beach and stretchered back to the Pachena Bay Information Centre.

From there, the Bamfield Volunteer Fire Department transported the patient to the Bamfield Clinic for evaluation and treatment. The person was later transferred by BC Emergency Health Services.

The response brought together first responders from several agencies, along with members of the public and local businesses who stepped in to lend a hand.

Rescuers transport a patient toward the Pachena Bay Information Centre.
Rescuers transport a patient toward the Pachena Bay Information Centre. Rescuers transport a patient toward the Pachena Bay Information Centre. (Alberni Valley Rescue Squad)

A bystander named David remained with the patient on the trail for hours before rescuers arrived. AVRS highlighted the support provided by Tammy and Corey at the Pachena Bay Information Centre.

“They supported AVRS and allowed access to the Information Centre. They went above and beyond, well past their shift, helping arrange food for everyone,” the rescue squad said in a statement.

AVRS also thanked a cook at the Bamfield Pub who stayed late to prepare a meal for the crews.

Crews work together during a medical rescue on the West Coast Trail.
Crews work together during a medical rescue on the West Coast Trail. Crews work together during a medical rescue on the West Coast Trail. (Alberni Valley Rescue Squad)

“We also extend our thanks to the multiple first responders from BVFD for your assistance, Parks Canada staff, Arrowsmith Search and Rescue as well as the BC EHS crews and the nurse at the Bamfield Clinic,” they said.

The rescue was a reminder of how quickly conditions can change during an emergency on Vancouver Island’s rugged west coast.