Poor weather hampered rescuers trying to get to an injured snow biker north east of Lumby Friday night.
The Vernon Search and Rescue (VSAR) Society said blizzard-like conditions made it impossible for a helicopter pilot to safely perform the rescue.
“We initiated a quick response via helicopter,” said a statement on the organization’s Facebook page. “However, weather conditions were such that the pilot returned to base.”
An avalanche assessment and route planning were completed and a second team was deployed, while VSAR’s first team returned to the airport.
“(The second team) travelled through freezing rain, blowing snow and blizzard-like conditions but finally reached our injured subject some four hours later,” the post reads.
The patient was assessed and packed into a rescue toboggan and carefully taken back down the mountain to an awaiting ambulance.
VSAR thanked Aurora Helicopters and the Lumby Mabel Lake Snowmobile Association for its assistance in the operation.
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Caitlin.clow@vernonmorningstar.com
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