Two of five people stranded overnight in the backcountry of the Waiparous area were taken to hospital after being rescued April 11.
Cochrane RCMP say the group, including an Olds man and a man and woman from Sundre, had been unable to free their 4x4 vehicles after getting stuck Sunday, April 10 between seven and eight kilometres west of Hwy. 40.
The stranded motorists, who were in their 30s and 50s, overnighted in their vehicles.
But when two of the individuals began experiencing medical issues, two of the men left to seek help.
The men hiked with a dog approximately six hours through the bush to Hwy. 40 where they were able to summon help.
On Monday, April 11, at approximately 7:30 p.m., Cochrane RCMP and Alberta Health Services responded to a call of stranded individuals in the area. Conservation officers, STARS, and Calgary Police Service HAWKS helicopter were also called in.
The individuals were located by the STARS helicopter and the GPS location was provided to Conservation officers who rescued and transported them to the awaiting ambulances by snowmobiles, said RCMP.
Police say one male with abdominal pain and one female who had experienced seizures were transported to hospital by EMS at approximately 2:30 a.m.
Conservation officers returned to the scene and police say they retrieved the remaining individuals and transported them to safety at approximately 4 a.m.
Sundre fire chief Marty Butts says anyone travelling in the west country at any time of year should ensure that they take the necessary emergency equipment and supplies with them in case they become stranded.
“You should have your basic survival kits, including extra clothing,” said Butts. “When you are out west anything can happen, so always carry a supply of stuff so you can stay the night if you have to. I keep that in my truck year-round, the candles, the ration food, tow rope, shovel and the stuff to get you out of a bind if you need it.”
- With files from Dan Singleton
