Penticton SAR – utilizes Helicopter to conduct afternoon medical evacuation of male near the Summerland KVR Trestle. Dale Jorgensen – SAR Manager for Penticton & District Search & Rescue mobilized Rescue crews early Thursday afternoon after receiving a request for assistance from the BC Ambulance Service at 1:35 P.M.

BC Ambulance had received a call of a male in medical distress in the Summerland area. With no exact location identified BC Ambulance was able to triangulate a location of the distress call with the aid of cell phone towers.

With the GPS coordinates provided by BC Ambulance, the search team were able to identify a location near the KVR trestle close to Trout Creek in Summerland. Jorgensen then dispatched a three person (HETS) Helicopter Team to the area, along with one Rescue truck with a 6-person ground support group.

The helicopter team once airborne was quickly on scene and was able to spot the subject on the ground, who appeared to be unresponsive. Two First Responder technicians were lowered to the subject, found the male to be responsive, conducted a quick medical assessment, packaged and airlifted the 40 yr. old male out to a nearby BC Ambulance who in turn transported the subject to hospital for treatment.

Randy Brown
Public Information Officer / SAR Manager