A lost diabetic man and his female friend are safe after being located by Cowichan Search and Rescue during the soggy the evening of April 4.
The duo, in their early 20s, had set out on what was supposed to be a short hike from the Kinsol Trestle but became disoriented and found themselves off the trail.
Recognizing he wasn’t feeling well, the pair stopped and called for help.
Cowichan Search and Rescue got the call to assist paramedics and 26 members responded.
“We were having a regular training night, so we were semi-prepared and already heading out the door,” Cowichan SAR search manager Tina Phillips said of the large search party.
Dispatchers sent rough coordinates gathered from waning cell phone signals and the SAR team set out from both ends of the trail near the trestle.
“We knew it could be a medical emergency by the time we got there,” Phillips said, adding one of the members of the SAR team was a paramedic and equipped to administer medication should the need arise.
About two hours after their call-out, rescuers found the duo off the trail, soaking wet, and without rain gear or proper shoes for their hike.
The young man was assessed, treated, and after a bit of a rest, was able to walk out to the road to the waiting ambulance.
“He knew that he should call for help which is really good,” Phillips added. “It was a very smart thing that they did to stop and ask for help.”
While the outcome ended favourably this time around, the situation serves as a good reminder for people to ensure they have the essential items required for their outdoor adventures, however short the intended duration may be.
“This poor couple were not prepared,” Phillips said. “It’s a reminder to people that when they do go out there are absolutely 10 items you should bring with you.”
The list, which can be found at https://www.adventuresmart.ca/land/survive-essentials.htm includes a flashlight and spare batteries, a fire-making kit, food and water, a whistle, and extra clothes among others essential safety items.