BURSTA climber had to be rescued using a helicopter after being stung more than 100 times by wasps, Lions Bay Search and Rescue says.
Lions Bay Search and Rescue responded Tuesday evening (Aug. 25) for a report of the climber on the Redoubt Wall near Loggers Creek who was suffering from multiple wasp stings, a Facebook post says.
Search and rescue said that given the number of stings, there was potential for a serious systemic reaction and a ground team was deployed immediately with medical equipment, including epinephrine.
The post added that at the same time it was clear the climber wouldn’t be able to safely hike out and the team requested support from North Shore Rescue for a helicopter extraction. North Shore Rescue responded with two advanced medical providers and a technical rescue member.
Lions Bay Search and Rescue said the climber was found beneath heavy tree canopy. Rescuers needed to use the helicopter to get to her before she could be extracted.
She was transferred to the care of B.C. Emergency Health Services for further treatment.
“This is another reminder that wasp encounters can become a serious backcountry medical emergency very quickly, particularly when someone receives a large number of stings,” Lions Bay Search and Rescue said.