Injured biker rescued in Cumberland after 5-plus hour rescue operation
Published 11:59 am Monday, December 8, 2025
The Comox Valley Search and Rescue (CVSAR) was busy on Dec. 6, rescuing a mountain biker in an operation that took over five hours.
CVSAR got the call late in the morning from BCEHS to assist with a medical incident on the Blockhead Trail in Campbell River.
According to trailforks.com, a trail database, Blockhead is a 1.1-km trail with a difficulty rating of black diamond (or very difficult) and is mostly downhill.
“The call involved a mountain biker who was injured on the trail and required assistance due to the terrain and access limitations in that area,” said Jamie McCue, a team leader at CVSAR. “CVSAR volunteers responded promptly and accessed the patient via the trail network.”
McCue said the team worked with BCEHS to assess the situation, package the patient, and carry out a stretcher extrication to an ambulance access point.
“Given the location and conditions, a technical stretcher carry and UTV (utility task vehicle) transport was the safest option for removal from the trail,” said McCue.
The CVSAR’s Advanced Medical Team (AMT) was activated during the incident. The team includes experienced paramedics directed by emergency physicians. McCue says this allows advanced medical care and clinical decision-making to take place in the field. This includes pain management, trauma assessment, and coordination with BCEHS and other responding agencies for transport.
“Throughout the response, SAR members were also managing access routes, scene safety, medical coordination, and transport planning in parallel,” said McCue. “Reported task times reflect the full operation from initial call to task completion, not just the time spent reaching or removing the patient.”
The rider fell while biking down a wet and slippery rock feature and was found in serious condition, suffering from suspected spinal and head injuries. CSVAR handed her over to BC Ambulance paramedics on Trent River Main, who took her to the hospital.
McCue says there are no trail closures or hazards related to this incident, and the trail remains open.
“Riders should continue to assess conditions, ride within their limits, and be prepared for variable terrain and weather,” McCue said.