Ridge Meadows Search and Rescue
23598 Jim Robson Way V2W 1B8 Maple Ridge, BC, Canada

Last night, RMSAR was called out for a rescue of a distressed female at Lower Falls in Golden Ears Park. The initial report stated that the female was on a rock waving for help. We sent a swiftwater rescue team up Lower Falls trail as well as a team up West Canyon Trail. The Swiftwater team crossed Gold Creek and made initial contact to assess the subject. The lone hiker had hiked up West Canyon to the Lower Falls cutoff trail. After looking at the falls she could not find ...the trail to take her back up to West Canyon. She attracted the attention of someone at Lower Fall viewpoint and indicated through hand gestures that she needed help. It was determined the safest and most expedient method was to hike her out West Canyon. She had done everything right....left a trip plan with her husband, had food, water, extra clothing and a headlamp (although the batteries started to fade). She stayed put when she knew she was in trouble and waited patiently for us to arrive.

A video of yesterday’s rescue with Coquitlam Search and Rescue and Talon Helicopters. Great flying and coordination by the pilots as daylight was fading.

Late yesterday afternoon, RMSAR was called out to rescue an injured hiker in Golden Ears Park. The hiker suffered a serious ankle injury around noon on East Canyon Trail about 9km from the trail head. Being outside of cell service, a friend headed back to call for help. RMSAR received the call shortly after 3pm and called for assistance from Coquitlam Search and Rescue due to the remoteness of the subject and need for a longline extraction. Due to fading daylight, time was ru...nning out to affect a helicopter rescue. Two Talon Helicopters were used. One inserted a medical team and evacuate 3 other hikers in the group. The other was rigged to longline the injured hiker back to West Canyon Command where they were further treated and handed over to BC Ambulance. This was RMSAR’s first longline rescue utilizing RMSAR CDFL technicians that have trained with Coquitlam SAR to create a regional team. This is a partnership RMSAR is thankful to have and look forward more successful rescues utilizing CDFL.

Keep yourself and everyone else safe this Halloween!