Wicked Wasp Weather

LBSAR sends out a timely reminder

Hot on the heels of the weekend's triple rescue, Lions Bay Search and Rescue (LBSAR) were summoned into action again on Tuesday, according to manager Ed Langford, who called the rescue a repeat of one of the weekend events.

"The callout was for a 30 year-old female who was hiking with her large dog, when she likely disturbed the same angry wasp nest as our Sunday victim in the Deeks trail area of the Howe Sound Crest Trail," Langford said.

He noted that the hiker was stung four times on her neck, and immediately began to experience symptoms of a reaction. The Talon helicopter was deployed once again and members of the LBSAR team collected the hiker from the mountain, and evacuated her to the Lions Bay School field, where she was turned over to BC Ambulance for transport to hospital. A LBSAR member walked her dog, a large German Shepherd, to the trailhead, where he was met by a truck and driven back into Lions Bay.

Langford cautions hikers that at this time of year, wasps are preparing for winter.

"When hiking, it's often the second or third person in the group that gets stung," he says. "Dogs are famous for disturbing the nest, resulting in the trailing owner being the unsuspecting victim."

He reminds hikers with known allergies to carry appropriate allergy medications, and notes that anyone who might be severely affected by a sting should carry an EpiPen.

Langford says that other over-the-counter antihistamines can take effect after 20 minutes, which often allowing sting victims to hike out under their own steam.

Editor's Note: LBSAR provides rescue services without question or charge.

Donations to help replace equipment and gear can be made HERE.

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