A woman was airlifted to hospital during the weekend after falling from a cliff in a Nanaimo park.
Nanaimo Fire Rescue initially responded with seven apparatuses from multiple fire stations across Nanaimo to Pipers Lagoon Park just before 3 p.m. Sunday, June 1, to what was first thought to be a high-angle rope rescue to retrieve the woman who had fallen an estimated 12 to 15 metres.
“It actually came in as a high-angle rescue, so that brings a bigger response,” said Troy Libbus, Nanaimo Fire Rescue assistance chief of operations.
Libbus said when firefighters arrived they determined the rope rescue team could stand down, but the woman, in her 40s, had suffered multiple fractures and would have to be carried out from where she had fallen on the northeast side of the park, by a team with a Stokes basket and spine board.
“We stood down two engines right away as soon as we found out rope rescue wasn’t needed,” Libbus said. “We just kept the personnel on site to assist with the patient removal.”
B.C. Ambulance personnel called a medivac helicopter to the park.
“B.C. Ambulance was having trouble with their radio, so Nanaimo Fire Rescue called it in on behalf of ambulance,” Libbus said.
The woman was transferred to the air ambulance helicopter which landed on the grassy area near the park’s main parking lot, and flew her to Nanaimo Regional General Hospital. Libbus said he did not know if the victim was flown to another hospital after receiving treatment at NRGH and had no update on her condition Monday, June 2.
Libbus said people should take precautions when hiking in city, regional district and provincial parks around Nanaimo.
“If you’re around steep slopes, stand back a minimum of 10 feet. Use your judgment,” Libbus said. “When you hike, always hike with a partner and let someone know where you are.”
Libbus also said if 911 must be called in an emergency, the caller should stay on the phone to give as accurate details as possible to the 911 call-taker to help first responders send appropriate resources to the scene.
