Pincher Creek RCMP assist in coordinating successful rescue of hiker
Mt. Haig, Alberta – Throughout the night and continuing through yesterday, the Pincher Creek RCMP coordinated the rescue of a 35-year-old female hiker who tumbled approximately 45 meters from a scree slope. She was extracted early yesterday afternoon, and transported via ground ambulance to a local hospital and then flown via air ambulance to a Calgary hospital.
On November 13, six hikers were on Mt. Haig, west of Castle Mountain Ski Resort. At 3:15 p.m., the RCMP became aware that an emergency locator beacon had been activated, and shortly after, two 911 emergency calls were received. A report was received that there was an injured female hiker and help was requested. A rescue operation was immediately launched.
Several agencies, including Waterton National Parks Public Safety, Kananaskis Provincial Park Public Safety and Banff National Park, assisted and located the group of six hikers. Five of the hikers were successfully removed from the mountain side. Due to inclement weather the injured hiker could not be air lifted out that night. A Public Safety Officer from Waterton Parks erected a survival tent and stayed with the injured hiker overnight.
The following morning, again a collaboration of agencies worked on this rescue. Public safety officers from Banff National Park, Kananaskis Park and Waterton Parks, along with Alpine Helicopters reached the injured female at 10:30 a.m. Effecting a long line extraction, the hiker was safely removed via helicopter. She is currently in a Calgary hospital with serious injuries.
“This was one of the largest rescue efforts I have been part of” said Corporal Jeff Feist of Pincher Creek Detachment. “Saving this woman’s life can be credited to the superior technical ability of all those who participated in this extremely complex mission.”
The RCMP wants to acknowledge the efforts and assistance of all agencies involved including Pincher Creek and Lethbridge Search and Rescue Teams who volunteered their services, Crowsnest Fire and Rescue, Pincher Creek Conservation Officers, Pincher Creek Emergency Services and the Castle Mountain Ski Resort who opened their lodge. Without the assistance of all these agencies this rescue may not have been possible.
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