Hiker with severe injury rescued on Salt Spring

Emergency responders worked several hours Thursday to rescue a hiker who suffered a severe injury at Ruckle Provincial Park.

Salt Spring Island Search and Rescue volunteers, firefighters and paramedics worked together to locate the injured man and carry him out on a stretcher. The rescuers faced tough terrain in an operation that lasted several hours amid rainy and slippery conditions.

The rescue group said the steep sections in the park required a rope belay. The man was taken to a waiting ambulance and transported to Lady Minto Hospital, where he’s recovering.

“This multi-agency response highlighted how well our local Salt Spring emergency service agencies work together, with each group bringing in their particular areas of expertise and skills,” said a social media post by the group. “Well done to all involved … this was a strong team effort that was achieved with a high level of skill and safety.”

First responders are warning hikers that with all the rain, trails can be slippery and hypothermia can come on quickly if not prepared.

The injured man, who did not want to be identified, said Friday he was back in Victoria awaiting orthopedic surgery this weekend.

“I just wanted to publicly thank the Salt Spring EMS paramedics, volunteer firefighters, [search-and-rescue] team members and the staff at the Lady Minto hospital,” he said. “They did an amazing job and deserve to be recognized.”

The injured man also said that his hiking group, the Outdoor Club of Victoria, made sure every hiker was well prepared and equipped to deal with such an emergency while awaiting professional help.