Eleven members from the Jaffray and Elko Fire Departments responded with five pieces of apparatus Monday morning (Aug. 4) after a motorcyclist lost control and crashed on Wardner Fort Steele Road.
According to officials, the rider hit a patch of gravel, causing the motorcycle to leave the roadway and fall down a steep embankment.
The remote location and slope reportedly made it difficult for first responders to reach the injured rider.
Firefighters used rope rescue equipment to safely reach the rider, secure them, and bring them back up to the roadside.
The effort involved both fire departments working alongside BC Ambulance paramedics and RCMP members.
Once brought to safety, the motorcyclist was transported by BC Ambulance to East Kootenay Regional Hospital for assessment and treatment.
RCMP briefly closed the roadway during the rescue to ensure the safety of emergency crews and the public.
I can’t say enough to express my gratitude to the firefighters and personnel that were tasked with this rescue of my brother-in-law. We are grateful to everyone and express our deep appreciation for your quick response and utmost professionalism for this rescue. Sometimes we don’t realize how lucky we are to have the emergency service personnel of Firefighters, Ambulance EMT, RCMP, as well as towing services that put themselves on the line everyday. So I just want to express my gratitude! Thank you, thank you, thank you !!
Respectfully,
Darren Campbell