Snowkiting in Alberta

Emergency

Emergency Response Plan for Snowkiting in Alberta

Objective: To ensure rapid, coordinated, and effective responses to any emergency situation during snowkiting activities in Alberta, including medical incidents, environmental hazards, and equipment failures.

1. Emergency Contacts

Keep a list of emergency services and local contacts on hand:

  • Local Emergency Services (911): Call for any life-threatening injuries or major accidents.
  • Search and Rescue: Contact the local search and rescue team for mountain or backcountry incidents.
  • Alberta Health Services: Phone: 811 (non-emergency medical help).
  • Nearest Medical Facility: Drayton Valley Hospital and Care Centre. 4550 Madsen Ave, Drayton Valley, AB T7A 1N8
  • Parks or Forestry Officials: Information:  780-892-2702 Facility Operator: Wabamun Lake Campground Operations

2. Initial Assessment of Emergency

When an emergency occurs, immediately assess the situation:

  • Severity: Determine if the injury or situation is life-threatening or requires immediate professional assistance.
  • Location: Identify your exact location to guide emergency responders. For remote or backcountry locations, use GPS coordinates.
  • Weather Conditions: Evaluate whether worsening weather (e.g., windstorms, whiteouts) will impede rescue or evacuation efforts.

3. Types of Emergencies & Response Procedures

Medical Emergencies

  • Common Injuries: Head trauma, broken bones, kite-related injuries, hypothermia, and frostbite.

Response:

  1. Immediate First Aid: Provide on-site first aid (e.g., stop bleeding, immobilize fractures, provide CPR if necessary).
  2. Hypothermia/Frostbite: Move the person to a warm area, remove wet clothing, and cover with blankets or warm clothing. Administer warm (not hot) fluids if they are conscious.
  3. Contact Emergency Services (911): For serious injuries, contact local emergency services immediately. Provide exact location details and description of the injury.
  4. Evacuate: If possible, safely transport the injured person to the nearest road for ambulance access. If the injury is severe, wait for professional rescue teams.

Environmental Hazards

  • Avalanches: Especially a concern in mountainous regions or backcountry snowkiting.

Response:

  1. Immediate Search: Use avalanche beacons, shovels, and probes to locate any buried participants. Time is critical—begin search and rescue immediately if a participant is caught in an avalanche.
  2. Call for Rescue: Contact search and rescue teams specialized in avalanche response.
  3. Evacuate Area: Move participants to a safer location, away from potential avalanche zones.
  • Wind Storms or Weather Changes: Sudden weather changes can pose risks, including loss of visibility, strong winds, or snowstorms.

Response:

  1. Cease Activities: Immediately stop snowkiting if weather conditions become unsafe.
  2. Shelter: Move participants to a safe shelter (e.g., a vehicle or sheltered area). Use snow as insulation if caught in the open during a storm.
  3. Monitor Conditions: Continuously assess weather conditions and wait for safe conditions before resuming or attempting evacuation.

Equipment Failures

  • Kite Failure: If a kite fails or malfunctions, the participant may lose control and risk injury.

Response:

  1. Emergency Landing: Guide the participant to perform an emergency landing or assist in stopping the kite if it remains airborne.
  2. First Aid: Provide any necessary first aid for injuries sustained during equipment failure.
  3. Inspect Equipment: Stop the activity to inspect other participants’ gear for similar faults or weaknesses.

4. Rescue and Evacuation Procedures

On-Site Response

  • Trained Staff: Ensure that at least one staff member or guide is trained in first aid and CPR.
  • First Aid Kits: Keep well-stocked first aid kits available at all times with materials for treating common injuries (e.g., bandages, splints, cold packs).
  • Evacuation Routes: Pre-plan evacuation routes for each snowkiting site, including vehicle access points and alternative routes in case of blocked roads.

Search and Rescue Coordination

  • Backcountry and Remote Areas: When kiting in backcountry areas, participants should carry GPS devices, emergency beacons, and avalanche gear.
  • Helicopter Rescue: For remote or mountainous areas, have the contact details of local helicopter rescue services. Provide them with GPS coordinates if needed.

5. Participant Safety & Preparation

  • Pre-Activity Briefing: Ensure all participants understand the risks, emergency procedures, and evacuation routes before starting the activity.
  • Medical Screening: Verify participants’ health conditions and ability to engage in snowkiting. Ensure they have appropriate gear, such as helmets, warm clothing, and safety equipment.
  • Buddy System: Encourage participants to operate in pairs or small groups to monitor each other’s safety and provide assistance in case of an emergency.

6. Post-Incident Review

After an emergency:

  • Debrief: Conduct a debriefing with staff and participants to review the incident, identify what worked well, and where improvements are needed.
  • Incident Report: Document all details of the incident, including the cause, response time, injuries, and actions taken.
  • Update Procedures: Use the debriefing and reports to update your emergency response plan for future activities.

Conclusion

This Emergency Response Plan for Snowkiting in Alberta ensures quick, efficient responses to any accidents, injuries, or environmental hazards. By preparing participants, staff, and safety teams ahead of time and having clear evacuation and emergency procedures, the risks associated with snowkiting can be better managed and mitigated.