LBSAR Responds to Tunnel Bluffs Medical Rescue

Lions Bay Search and Rescue (LBSAR) responded to a call on May 1st for an injured hiker near Tunnel Bluffs.

The call was initially reported as a dislocated knee - a rare but serious injury involving the knee joint itself that can be limb-threatening and requires urgent medical attention. Based on this information, a full helicopter response was initiated, and North Shore Rescue (NSR) was notified immediately for mutual aid.

The subject, a 22-year-old male, had been descending the trail with a group of friends when he stepped awkwardly on a root while running downhill and felt his knee “pop” out of place.

A dislocated kneecap is a painful injury that can result in immediate instability and difficulty bearing weight. Despite this, the subject made the decision to push the kneecap back into position. While this restored some alignment, the knee remained unstable and painful, and his ability to move was significantly impaired.

Given the subject’s proximity to the Tunnel Bluffs lookout, the initial plan involved inserting a team directly at the lookout via hover entry. Members of the hiking group assisted by moving ahead to notify nearby camping parties and secure the area for helicopter operations.

Tunnel Bluffs is occasionally used as an emergency landing zone. If individuals are camping in the area during a rescue, they should pack up their tents, secure all loose belongings, and move into the surrounding forest to provide a clear and safe area for emergency helicopter operations.

The operation pivoted to a helicopter hoist extraction. The subject and group were able to move approximately 200 metres from their original location to a more suitable open area. The group was well prepared and able to signal the helicopter using headlamps, aiding in locating their position. Helicopter rescue technicians were deployed, and the injured subject was successfully hoisted from the site.

The subject was transported to the staging area at the Lions Bay school field, where they were transferred to ambulance and taken to hospital for further evaluation.

The remaining members of the hiking party were escorted out via ground teams and transported safely back to the trailhead.

This incident highlights how quickly injuries can happen even in easy terrain, particularly when moving at speed on rooty and uneven footing.

Lions Bay Search and Rescue extends thanks to North Shore Rescue, Talon Helicopters, BC Emergency Health Services, all supporting personnel involved in the response, and the residents of Lions Bay for their continued support of emergency operations.