WHOOPS! Injured mountain biker airlifted (BC)

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Mike


http://www.castanet.net/news/Pentict...iker-airlifted

Injured mountain biker airlifted

by Adam Proskiw - Kelowna - Story: 100888
Oct 19, 2013 / 4:18 pm

Photo: Deborah Pfeiffer - Penticton

A middle-aged man was airlifted to hospital after a mountain biking accident near the popular Three Blind Mice biking trail off Naramata Road Saturday afternoon.

According to Penticton SAR manager Ryanne Volrich, the call came in at 11:30 a.m. and by 12:53, a SAR helicopter had located the man and was flying him to Penticton Regional Hospital with suspected internal injuries.

“It would have been a bumpy ride out in a stretcher, so we decided to use the helicopter,” said Volrich.

Because of the low-lying cloud in the area, a ground team was also on standby, which included 17 members of Penticton SAR.

The man, who is an experienced rider, was with a friend at the time of the accident and was able to call 911. He remained on the phone with SAR dispatch during the rescue.

“He did the right thing,” said Ryanne. “It’s much better when we can stay in contact with the person while we are getting to them. We’re even more prepared that way.”

The man is currently being examined at Penticton Regional Hospital but his injuries are not expected to be life-threatening.