A kayaking trip turned into a life-threatening emergency on Saturday, May 10 when a paddler suffered a severe injury while navigating a logjam on the Crooked River.
Prince George Search and Rescue (PGSAR) workers made their way to the scene and helped carry out the rescue effort, as documented on the group's Facebook page.
PGSAR reported that a group of four was making its way down the river when they encountered a large log stretching from bank to bank. While attempting to pull their kayaks over the obstruction, one member of the group slipped and sustained a deep laceration, resulting in significant bleeding.
Her companions quickly got her to shore, then two members of the group paddled downstream to retrieve a cell phone and call for help. After alerting emergency services, they made their way back upstream to assist the injured paddler, PGSAR reported.
BC Emergency Health Services (BCEHS) dispatched an ambulance to the scene but quickly determined that they would be unable to move the subject through the dense terrain without assistance. Prince George Search and Rescue (PGSAR) was called in to help.
PGSAR members arrived approximately 20 minutes after paramedics and began packaging the injured woman for transport just as rain began to fall. Using saws, the team cut a path through thick brush, brambles, and fallen trees to reach the road, where she was transferred to a waiting ambulance.
"Thanks to BCEHS for their quick response and excellent collaboration," said a PGSAR spokesperson. "That made it possible to get moving fast and give the subject the best chance."
The rescue organization commended the group for wearing personal flotation devices (PFDs) and having access to an emergency communication device that worked in the area.
The condition of the injured paddler has not been released.
