Nanaimo Search and Rescue were called out to a rescue on Mt. Benson on Saturday, June 12. (submitted photo/Matt Tinney)

By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

rescue

Injured hiker airlifted from Mt. Benson in evening rescue

Jun 12, 2021 | 10:23 PM

NANAIMO — A woman was airlifted from Mt. Benson after sustaining non-life threatening injuries.

Nanaimo Search and Rescue led efforts to retrieve the woman, part of a family of five hiking on the mountain, beginning around 5:30 p.m. on Saturday, June 12.

Eugene Touchette, Nanaimo SAR tech, told NanaimoNewsNOW the helicopter helped crews avoided a difficult three to four hour hike down the mountain via stretcher.

“It was a textbook rescue. I’m just glad we were able to have a helicopter able to lift her out of there. It was the best outcome for everybody.”

The helicopter flew her a short distance to an awaiting ambulance where she was taken to hospital.

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Touchette said the woman slipped and fell and was unable to continue on her own. The fall occurred around half way up the mountain, above the Benson View Rd. trailhead.

“Sometimes these things happen and that’s what we’re here for. All of the hikers in the group were well prepared, it was just an unfortunate accident.”

The operation wrapped around 8 p.m. with 15 Nanaimo SAR members attending the scene.

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