Squamish Search and Rescue team saved a 51-year-old Vancouver man after he survived a 10-metre fall from The Chief on Tuesday afternoon.
Squamish Emergency Program Society president Suzanne Kenney said the climber was on a multi-pitch trail on the north edge of the Apron called the Calculus Crack when he fell.
They received the distress call at 1:40 p.m. and 17 volunteer members arrived on the scene to assist with the rescue mission.
The experienced climber fell one pitch and hit a tree on the way down before being stopped by his properly-placed gear, according to Kenney.
"They were pretty low," said Kenney. "They were only on the first section of the climb."
The rescue was performed using the helicopter extraction transportation system, more commonly known as long line rescue. The climber was rescued within three hours and transferred to Squamish General Hospital with lower back and possible internal injury."
"Overall, it was smooth operation and went off extremely well," said Kenney.
They were called to a second incident with an injured hiker in the smoke bluffs just as they were wrapping up.
"The number of incidents and calls is increasing because they've been more visitors to our area," she said. "And we've seen an specific increase in the need for long-line rescue."
Their program runs on the backs of local volunteers and auxiliary costs such as helicopter rental is paid for through the provincial emergency program.
"The mission worked really well," said Squamish Emergency Program coordinator Jim lang. "It's another tribute that shows what a great program we have."
Vancouver Coastal Health said the man was discharged but could not provide further details.
