Two callouts this week to the Comox Valley Search and Rescue (CVSAR) team have them preaching safety ahead of the BC Day long weekend.
The first call came in the mid-afternoon Tuesday for an injured mountain biker near Skyes Bridge.
The biker appeared to have dislocated their shoulder but cancelled the CVSAR callout while enroute as they were able to make it to the hospital on their own.
Then later that evening, a hiker above Circlet Lake in Strathcona Park started experiencing medical distress, forcing the team to be activated again.
Two ground teams and a 49 North Helicopter carrying the advanced medical team were deployed.
The helicopter reached the hiker and transported them to the Campbell River Airport where she was assisted by BCEHS, while the second hiker remained overnight at Circlet Lake and was safely flown out the next morning.
Ahead of hot temperatures forecasted for the weekend, CVSAR is encouraging people to stay hydrated, avoid peak heat, and to not rely on cellphones for safety.
Cell coverage in Strathcona Park is shaky at best along with other parts of Vancouver Island’s backcountry said CVSAR, and a satellite communication device is strongly recommended in cases of emergency.