A RCMP helicopter transported an injured hunter in the Dease Lake area to medical care over the weekend.
The 63-year-old man suffered a broken leg the afternoon of Sept. 14 and an air ambulance helicopter called in was unable to land at his location due to rugged terrain, terrain and weight restrictions of the passengers, said the RCMP in a release.
But a RCMP helicopter in the area at the time was able to fly the man out to the medical clinic in Dease Lake where a cast was put on.
He was at least a three-hour hike away from the nearest road.
The rescue began when the man's 29-year-old hunting partner hiked out to call for assistance.
“Although it was close to dark, Air 3 attended to the scene, transported Cst. Andrew Curtis and the 29 year old hunting partner back to the injured hunter’s location. Once all involved were on board the injured male was transported to the Stikine Health Center in Dease Lake for medical assistance,” said the release.
"The injured hunter was a very tough, experienced and prepared individual," added Curtis. "He had already made crutches and was ready to stay overnight, even though he had a broken leg. This rescue was unusual as the injured party was so prepared, and because Air 3 was in Dease Lake and available to get him to safety."
"We were fortunate to have other emergency resources, such as a RCMP helicopter, in the area," said another RCMP officer, Cst. Lesley Smith.
"The injured male would still be stranded and in considerable pain for hours had it not been for the assistance of the RCMP helicopter, pilot Greg Burgess and Cst. Andrew Curtis. This is a prime example of how dedicated our members are at ensuring public safety and going the extra distance to help those in need.”