Despite poor weather conditions, the Vernon Search and Rescue (VSAR) along with local sledders, the helpful trail groomer, and Air Rescue One Heli Winch Society (AROHWS) were able to save an injured sledder on Friday, Feb. 21.

Around 12:30 p.m., VSAR were contacted by Vernon North Okanagan RCMP and BC Ambulance Service to help the injured sledder who was in the Hunters Range area.

Because of the sledder's reported injuries, both ground and air rescue teams were called to the scene. As ground VSAR volunteers were getting closer to the scene, the team had to make the decision to stop the helicopter team from making contact due to poor weather conditions. The ground team was able to overcome the snow and find the injured sledder, along with other sledders on scene who provided first aid.

"The VSAR team, with assistance from other sledders on scene provided first aid, packaged and stabilized the individual, and were able to extricate him by ground on a rescue toboggan," VSAR said in a Facebook post. "The sledder was then transported to and handed off to BC Ambulance Service personnel."