Canada Day turned tragic for a young visitor to the Princeton area.
A 23-year-old male was thrown from his motorcycle July 1 and suffered serious injuries including damage to his spinal cord.
The incident occurred at about 1:30 p.m. on a trail near Tee Pee Lakes Road and multiple agencies responded, said Rob Miller, of the Hayes Creek Fire and Rescue Department.
A fellow rider had to travel seven kilometers to summon help, as there is no cell service in that area.
Twenty-one trained first responders, the majority volunteers, attended the scene and worked together for four hours to treat and stabilize the victim.
The Erris Fire Department was also called, and worked alongside Hayes Creek, Highway Rescue, and an ambulance crew that had to travel from Summerland.
“Rescues like this are extremely complicated and slow and methodical and requires all parties working closely together to achieve the ultimate goal of preventing permanent loss of body function and integrity,” said Miller.
The man was taken by air ambulance to Royal Columbian Hospital and is expected to make a full recovery.
Miller said both motorcyclists were riding responsibly. “Just with recent rains and floods these roads and trails are deeply rutted and rough,” he said.
VIDEO: 2 rescues in 2 days in windy waters off south Vancouver Island
Do you have something to add to this story, or something else we should report on? Email:andrea.demeer@similkameenspotlight.com
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