RCMP floating off road vehicle used in the rescue of civilians.
On April 15, 2012, shortly before 6pm, Morris RCMP and EMS received a 911 call from a civilian advising that a group of ATV riders were lost in the bush in the RM of Stuartburn. It was also reported that some members of the group were thought to suffer from hypothermia.
GPS coordinates were obtained through cell phone triangulation providing rescuer valuable data on the location of the parties involved. The STARS helicopter was dispatched and swiftly able to locate the group in the bush. An RCMP member was dropped off at the location and three people, including a teenager and two children that were very cold, were airlifted to where RCMP members, EMS and Fire had staged.
RCMP report that three individuals, unrelated to the initial group, mounted a search and rescue operation without RCMP knowledge. These individuals were able to locate the group but got hung up in a swampy area on the way out.
Due to darkness air support was no longer available. The Integrated Border Enforcement Team, based out of Altona, was called in to assist with an RCMP floating off road vehicle (Argo). The group was about 3/4 of a mile south from the dike on Road 16N in the RM of Stuartburn.
After several trips in and out, 11 people were rescued. In total, four people (two children ages five and six, one teenager and one adult) were transported to hospital for treatment. Others were examined on scene and released.
RCMP would like stress the importance of being properly prepared and equipped when traveling in remote regions. This search came at considerable risk to the emergency services involved. Civilians should never attempt search and rescue activities without notifying the RCMP of jurisdiction.
