One person suffered significant injuries in an avalanche on northern Vancouver Island.
The person was part of a group of three near Mt. Cain ski hill but was the only one injured and suffered multiple injuries including a leg injury.
Campbell River SAR and Mount Cain volunteers made their way to the injured and hypothermic skier, while North Shore Rescue was called in for helicopter support.
The helicopter landed at the Mt. Cain base area and treated the individual at the scene and in the hospital, before determining they needed to be transported to Vancouver General Hospital (VGH) for additional care.
Paramedics met the helicopter team at the VGH pad to provide care to the patient before they brought them inside for further treatment and surgery.
The rescue marked the first time North Shore Rescue was able to fly a critically injured person to the helicopter landing pad at VGH.
The avalanche occurred around 2:20 p.m. Sunday afternoon, running 100 metres across and 150-200 metres downhill according to Avalanche Canada.
As of Tuesday morning, Avalanche Canada says the danger rating for avalanches on Vancouver Island is considerable.
