A mountain biker was saved in a lengthy search and rescue operation in Cumberland this past weekend.
In the late morning of Saturday, December 6th, Comox Valley Search and Rescue (CVSAR) received a call to assist paramedics with a medical rescue on the Blockhead Trail.
Blockhead Trail is located in the Cumberland Community Forest just south of town and is a black diamond rated mountain biking trail.
According to CVSAR, a mountain biker fell and sustained serious injuries.
Search and rescue members responded and worked with paramedics to assess, treat and safely get the mountain biker free from the trail.
“Due to the nature of their injuries, the team carried out a technical stretcher extrication to minimize movement and reduce the risk of further injury,” said CVSAR in a social media post about the incident.
“Air transport was explored, but weather conditions and aircraft availability meant the patient was ultimately transported by ground ambulance to hospital, with critical care support meeting the crew en route.”
CVSAR noted that this call in particular allowed the organization to field test their recently launched ‘Advanced Medical Team.’
With this team, paramedics and medically-trained members are able to support pain management, trauma assessment, handle transportation decision-making and coordinate directly with paramedics.
CVSAR added that calls like this one are exactly why this new advanced program was created.
The mountain biker is now recovering from their injuries.
