Editor’s Note: The letter below is from an Australian on holiday in Canada who was thrown off a horse in Wells Gray Provincial Park and then rescued by Wells Gray Search and Rescue on June 7.
Editor, The Times:
I would like to express my sincere thanks to all involved in my extraction from Wells Gray Provincial Park after being thrown off a horse while on a trail ride. This includes the staff from Wells Gray Ranch, the volunteers from Wells Gray Search and Rescue, and the helicopter pilot and paramedic who flew with me to Kamloops hospital.
Immediately after the accident our guide made radio contact with Wells Gray Ranch and SAR was contacted. Unfortunately the weather closed in with thunderstorms and rain, which made the going very difficult for SAR as they hiked in. After much deliberating it was decided that it would be too difficult and uncomfortable to walk me out on a stretcher as it would have taken six hours to do so, it was raining and very muddy, and the river crossings were quite high. Instead they would keep on the mountain overnight and extract me by helicopter the next morning.
Three of the SAR guys, including the paramedic, stayed with me overnight and kept me warm and dry. At first light the rest of the SAR team, which had hiked in with chainsaws and equipment on backpacks, joined us.
Then it was on. The chainsaws started and the guys cleared an area for the helicopter to land. The rescue occurred early morning.
I was told later the helicopter was SAR and had come from 600 km away to transport me to Kamloops hospital and that 11 SAR were involved, all doing what they did best to assist with the recovery.
Those at Wells Gray Ranch and the SAR need to be highly commended for their commitment to my rescue and the support they gave my wife back at the ranch overnight by giving her updates on my welfare and progress of the rescue.
They spent the whole night and into the morning working on the rescue and we cannot thank you enough for your help, support and care. You are a rare breed of people that gives of your time to help others in need. We were very aware that you were volunteers, which made it all the more special and us more grateful.
Thank you all.
From a grateful AUSSIE,
Bob Power