Arrowsmith SAR and BC Ambulance Service personnel teamed up to assist a distressed hiker on Mt. Mark on Wednesday, Oct. 4 (Arrowsmith SAR)

By Ian Holmes

rescued hiker

Distressed hiker rescued from mountain near Horne Lake

Oct 6, 2023 | 12:00 PM

QUALICUM BEACH — A man experiencing severe chest pains while hiking west of Qualicum Beach was hoisted from a mountain and flown to hospital for treatment.

Members of Arrowsmith Search and Rescue were tasked to assist paramedics with the incident on the afternoon of Wednesday, Oct. 4.

Arrowsmith SAR president Nick Rivers said the patient was flown from the scene in under an hour.

“We treat all of those calls with a very high level of urgency. We were able to meet a helicopter from Ascent Helicopters near Horne Lake. We were able to fly up and land right at the top of Mt. Mark.”

Rivers was among four advanced first aid members of Arrowsmith SAR assigned to the call.

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He said a challenging wrinkle to the rescue involved the chopper’s pilot forced to hover just above the summit due to its uneven surface.

The distressed hiker was a member of a local hiking group, Rivers said.

“They were super well prepared, had all of their plans, they had good communications, they were just fantastic and very helpful around the site prepping for the helicopter coming and going.”

Changing conditions
Rivers reminded outdoor enthusiasts to be prepared for rapidly changing conditions, including more rain, less daylight and cold evening and overnight temperatures.

“Hypothermia can absolutely set in this time of year really fast,” he said, noting moisture quickly depletes warmth from the human body.

With a significant increase in rain in recent weeks, Rivers said erosion on various hiking paths is something to be mindful of.

“You’re going to have a lot more loose footing and things aren’t going to be the same. If you hiked a trail six weeks ago and hiked it now it can feel very different.”

Outdoor enthusiasts are advised to reference AdventureSmart to be make sure they’re properly prepared for a range of excursions.

SAR Top 10 trip essentials

• Firestarter (matches, lighter)
• Flashlight or headlamp
• Extra food and water
• Extra clothes
• Pocket knife
• Shelter (tarp)
• First aid kit
• Compass or GPS device
• Cell phone
• Whistle or signal device

Arrowsmith SAR president Nick Rivers. (Ian Holmes/NanaimoNewsNOW)

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Ian.holmes@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @reporterholmes