Achi news desk-
An injured hiker who was airlifted by search and rescue teams near Port Alberni, BC, over the weekend has been reunited with her dog, after a dedicated rescuer went back to find her.
On Saturday night, the hiker was hurt after falling about 10 feet on Mount Arrowsmith, the Alberni Valley Rescue Squad reported in a social media post.
The search and rescue team sent two medical crews to find the man, and he was located off the trail between the Climbers and Judges trails. Thankfully, he had cell reception and was able to “ping” his location, AVRS noted.
North Shore Rescue was also called for assistance, and sent a Talon helicopter and a night hoist team from Bendir Isaf. The pedestrian was transported by NSR to Nanaimo, where he received medical attention.
An injured hiker is pictured on Mount Arrowsmith before being airlifted to Nanaimo for treatment. (Image credit: Alberni Valley Rescue Squad/Facebook)However, the walker’s companion, a dog called Izzy, was still missing on the mountain. AVRS said the dog ran away before rescuers arrived, and despite their efforts she was “nowhere to be found, especially after the helicopter came in.”
“Some members received treats and, despite calls for the dog, the team made the difficult decision to let Izzy go,” AVRS wrote.
Enter Rory Ford. The volunteer returned to the mountain the next morning alone to look for the dog.
“Rory had a visual sighting of the dog some distance from where its owner was injured,” VFRS wrote in an update on Sunday. “He was able to coax the dog out and bring the dog back to his truck.”
Ford explained in another post that he followed the walker’s tracks until he heard Izzy barking, followed that sound and then spent an hour directing her before carrying her down the mountain.
“It was old school, bark contact only, no GPS ping!” Ford says quoted.
A man who identified himself as the hiker left comments on the AVRS post expressing his gratitude.
“Thank you so much for rescuing not only me but my dog from the mountain,” wrote Carl Barnes. “Much appreciated and will never be forgotten.”
AVRS gave its own shout-out to Ford in a “meet our members” post on Monday. He says the veteran volunteer has been with the team for over 25 years, is the longest serving member of the squad and has been on more rescue missions than anyone else.
“Rory is a selfless, helpful, dedicated, caring person. His act of service yesterday, skillfully locating and rescuing the dog Izzy, is an example of who he is. Rory is the man who will reach a call and jump in to help,” AVRS wrote.
The search and rescue team noted that the hiker had food, emergency supplies and appropriate clothing with him, but was unfamiliar with the trails of Mount Arrowsmith. “In addition, the subject was under pressure to hurry because the daylight hours were dwindling.”
AVRS reminded nature visitors that the area’s mountains are still cold and slippery, even with the lack of snowpack, and urged anyone walking in the countryside to have a detailed trip plan, stick to routes within their skill level and bring the right essentials.
