Vernon SAR rescue hiker stung by unknown insect

A hiker had to be airlifted off a mountain near Vernon on Wednesday, July 29, after being stung by an unknown insect.

Vernon Search and Rescue deployed their helicopter team to the O'Keefe Range, west of Old Kamloops Road, and had an ATV team on the ground after the hiker called 911 call at approximately 5:30 p.m. July 29.

"(The hiker) said he was stung and he needed medical help," Vernon Search and Rescue search manager Trevor Honigman told iNFOnews.ca. "He said he was lost in the area, there were no roads or trails near him, and he needed to be found and helped."

Honigman said the hiker was unsure of what insect stung him.

The male hiker spoke to Search and Rescue on his cell phone and described the area where he was located. From this, the chopper managed to locate the hiker and flew him to the Vernon Airport where he was handed over into the care of the B.C. Ambulance Service.

He said the male hiker suffered non-life-threatening injuries.

Honigman said it's important for people venturing into the wilderness to be fully prepared. For tips and advice on how to be safe during outdoor recreational activities go here.

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