Times Chronicle Staff
Local paramedics and search and rescue crews worked hand in hand to rescue an injured person in Oliver on Monday.
Oliver-Osoyoos Search and Rescue (OOSAR) was tasked out just after 3 p.m. on April 18 to assist emergency health paramedics with locating and extricating an injured person who was operating a side-by-side recreational vehicle in the hills west of Oliver.
An initial response team of one truck and three members were sent out, with another three members responding with quads and a utility task vehicle in case they were needed.
“Our initial team located the injured person and brought him back to our staging area,” said ground search team lead Kyle Fossett.
Based on the injuries, BC Emergency Health Services dispatched a helicopter (HNZ Topflight) with an advanced care paramedic.
Unfortunately, the helicopter was unable to land (due to visibility), Fossett said, adding that a discussion with a paramedic on scene resulted in the helicopter being diverted to the Oliver Airport where it was met by rescue personnel.
The patient, who suffered undetermined injuries, was flown directly to Kelowna General Hospital.
Fossett said this task was a great example of inter-agency cooperation to bring this emergency to a successful conclusion.
