On February 21, at approximately 1:30 p.m., Kings District RCMP, along with Kingston Fire & EHS Paramedics, responded to a report of a snowmobile crash on a trail in East Margaretsville.
Prior to anyone’s arrival, it was reported that the accident was well off the road, along a trail in the woods.
Firefighters, Police Officers and Paramedics arrived on scene and walked approximately 2 kilometers to the scene, through knee-deep snow to reach the patient.
Local snowmobilers in the area assisted with guiding and bringing some first responders to the location.
Crews on scene faced many challenges with cold temperatures, remote access and poor radio communications.
Additional resources were also requested due to the location of the incident. Aylesford Fire was requested with a side by side to the scene. Department of Natural Resources were contacted, and conservation officers attended with snowmobiles.
Due to the nature of the incident, it was requested to have the Cormorant helicopter from CFB Greenwood assist with extricating the patient from the trail.
SAR Techs were deployed and retrieved the patient, transporting them via helicopter to CFB Greenwood to meet EHS LifeFlight.
EHS LifeFlight was initially requested to the scene but after many discussions they were directed to CFB Greenwood to meet the cormorant helicopter.
First Responders were exposed to the elements for almost 3 hours before the patient was fully extricated.
RCMP stated in an email that the 46-year-old snowmobiler from Wilmot was transported to hospital by helicopter; he suffered non-life-threatening injuries.
Steve Morse Towing also provided an Argo to assist with transporting first responders to and from the incident location.
“Everything seemed to go pretty good, even with the limitations and lack of communications.” stated Kingston Fire Chief, Troy Bruce.
The collaboration of many agencies at one particular incident is not uncommon, but it does go to show how vital our services are when they come together.
Adrian J.
