Download and print our Emergency Response Instructions here (last updated December 7, 2024). Note that they will become outdated as we periodically update our contact lists and procedures so check back frequently.
Emergency Response
- Assess the injury and apply first aid if you are qualified.
- Keep the injured person warm: use a space blanket, extra clothing, hot pads, or the sleeping bag in the nearest rescue toboggan. There are also safety buckets with emergency supplies in three key locations: Lakeview/Sentinel, Moonwalk/Far East, and the Summit Trail below Summit Shortcut.
- If you have a cell and there is service See Reporting below.
- If there is no cell service: send someone in your group to the nearest cell area to call (see cell reception maps posted on trails), or to the chalet. There is cell service at the chalet, plus the list of Safety Hosts currently on the trails, first aid supplies, and there will usually be others there who can help. If possible, send two people so one can return with information while you are waiting.
- Texting may be possible in areas of no service or intermittent service. Texts may not be read or responded to in a timely manner. Proceed as above unless you receive a reply.
- If you don’t have a cell: send someone to the chalet or to find the nearest skier who has a cell.
- Manual Rescue Toboggans are located at South Hub, Metford/Bilbo’s and Cec’s Cabin. They contain sleeping bags and limited first aid supplies. They are a good place to protect an injured person. If using one, you may want to remove your skis, both for pulling and braking. Follow the instruction labels on the toboggan.
Reporting
Contact the Operations Manager, Karen Tanchak, in her office in the downstairs of the Chalet (work hours posted on door) or at 236-586-5711, or call 250-833-5467 to check Safety Host availability (also on the map kiosk across from the upper chalet door, or 911. Some situations may require a combination of the above. The Safety Hosts are only able to respond on the track set trails and a limited portion of the non-track set trails.
Be prepared to provide the following information:
- Location of incident, and whether the location is personal knowledge, approximate, or from a geo-referenced trail map location loaded on your cell phone. See Avenza app instructions here on the LHNS website’s Maps page
- Person calling and phone number
- Nature and time of injury
- Condition of injured person and other relevant information: age, known medical issues…
- Assistance given to injured person
- Stay within cell service or at the chalet to provide more information as needed. Ensure you have enough battery to be called, i.e. limit using your phone once you have called
- If you get the voicemail for a Safety Host leave a message as they may be digging their phone out of a pack or inside pocket
