A mountain biker is recovering with significant injuries after a crash Sunday on the Full Pull Trail on Eagle Mountain in Coquitlam.
Coquitlam Search and Rescue president Tom Zajac told The Tri-City News that the call came in at around 3 p.m. but it was too dark for Talon Helicopters to conduct a long-line rescue.
Instead, searchers had to do it "the old-fashioned way," he said, with 25 volunteers from Coquitlam, North Shore and Ridge Meadows SAR hiking in to rescue the injured cyclist. Once they made contact with the man, they were able to provide him comfort and warmth before transporting him down the mountain on a stretcher using various rope rescue techniques.
"We accessed the subject… and the other teams helped us with a long stretcher carry," Zajac said, noting trip was about 3.5 km with an elevation change of 300 m.
Once the man was off the mountain at around 11 p.m., BC Ambulance paramedics took over and transported him to hospital.
Zajac said in this case, the injured man was lucky to have a friend on hand to help contact emergency officials and coordinate the rescue.
"Having assistance with you right away makes all the difference," he said.
