A woman was airlifted to hospital over 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 rescue the woman who had fallen an estimated 12-15 metres.
“It actually came in as a high-angle rescue, so that brings a bigger response,” said Troy Libbus, Nanaimo Fire Rescue assistant chief of operations.
He 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.”
An air ambulance helicopter landed on a grassy area near the park’s main parking lot, and the patient was transported 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 as of Monday, June 2.
The assistant chief said people should take precautions when hiking in city, regional 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.”
He also said if 911 must be called in an emergency, the caller should stay on the phone to provide details to the 911 call-taker to help first responders send appropriate resources to the scene.
