Central Cariboo Search & Rescue has been very busy with auto extrications over the past several days,
Public Relations Coordinator Deb Bortulussi says it is unusual for this time of year.
“We’ve 5 call outs for motor vehicle incidents in the last four days, which is an increase from what we usually see in the fall. Usually in the fall we get a little bit of a lull and then once that snow hits the ground we’re backed up with multiple accidents in a day and high call out numbers.”
Bortulussi says their latest call was at around 2 o’clock this (Monday) morning for an accident just west of Williams Lake on Highway 20.
She says motorists can help to cut down on the recent numbers.
“We’re trying to focus on people being prepared for wildlife being on the road, for that frost in the mornings and in late evenings, and ensuring that they’re taking extra time to get to their destinations.’
Bortulussi says winter is definitely their normal busy season.
“Usually for our first couple days of snowfall we have 10 or more car accidents in a day. So that’s an increased number than anything we see throughout the year.”
She says people can be prepared for the snow.
“Winter tires, taking extra time getting where you’re going, increased following distances, ensuring that your lights are on even during the day so that people can see you on the road, and ensuring that you have a winter preparedness kit, a shovel, some water, emergency blankets and first aid kits.”
Bortulussi says when they respond to an accident they work in conjunction with the RCMP and BC Emergency Health Services.
“We respond and help with the extrication of the patients. That means using tools such as combi-tools, spreaders,cutters, all different kinds of items utilized to ensure that we can get the patient safely out of that vehicle. As we know in big motor vehicle accidents the cars will crumple around patients, and it’s our job to safely extract them from that.”
Bortulussi says they then hand the patient off to the paramedics.
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