Lions Bay Search and Rescue responded this evening for a climber on the Redoubt Wall near Loggers Creek who had been stung 12 times by wasps.
Given the number of stings and the potential for a serious systemic reaction, LBSAR immediately deployed a ground team carrying emergency medical equipment, including epinephrine, and moved uphill as quickly as possible to reach the subject.
At the same time, it was clear that the climber would not be able to safely hike out. We requested mutual aid from North Shore Rescue for a helicopter extraction. NSR responded with two Advanced Medical Providers and a technical rescue member.
The subject was located beneath heavy tree canopy, requiring rescuers to be inserted by helicopter before she could be prepared for extraction. She was subsequently hoisted from the mountain and transferred directly into the care of BC Emergency Health Services (BCEHS) for further assessment and treatment.
This is another reminder that wasp encounters can become a serious backcountry medical emergency very quickly, particularly when someone receives a large number of stings.
Thank you to North Shore Rescue, our helicopter partners and BCEHS for the rapid mutual-aid response.