Wilderness rescue: How to avoid a big bill

For the purposes of this article, we’ll presume the person who needs to be rescued can contact emergency services themselves or have someone contact them. We won’t be dealing with cases where people get lost or go missing in the forest, which are a whole other matter.

What situations are considered urgent? 

Emergency land or air rescues can be required in a number of different medical situations. Every year, some of these cases make it into the news: accidents while ATVing, snowmobiling, or mountain biking, a stroke or heart attack while hiking, bad falls, hunting and fishing accidents… Time is often of the essence for the person or people involved and even for the rescue team (rescuing at night can be much harder than rescuing in the day!)

When you’re rescued in the wild, who pays?

It all depends on where you are and what’s nearby. As public services, police and fire departments are required to help people in danger, but that doesn’t mean that it’s free, or fast. Being rescued by helicopter, quad, or a land team comes at a cost. In some cases, part of the cost gets billed to the person who was rescued.

Parks Canada has its own rescue teams, but encourages visitors to be self-sufficient and prepared to deal with emergencies (in the woods or elsewhere). Their rescue operations are generally free, but there are conditions and exceptions, so look into it before you go! As for  la SEPAQ, the organization clearly states on its website that rescue operations are at the expense of the person rescued. And those can easily cost several thousand dollars.

Some parks and outdoor centres have their own search and rescue teams, but there as well, users are often billed for at least part of the cost. And ambulance rides to get from the park entrance to the hospital are at your own expense.

Moral of the story: it’s always best to be informed!

How to protect yourself so you can enjoy the outdoors

First, make sure you’re well prepared for the type of activity. Next, if you don’t already have it, consider taking out accident insurance. And finally, if you spend a lot of time in the bush or are planning a big trip, you might want to subscribe to an emergency medical rescue service like Airmedic, which has yearly memberships.

Precautions to take before heading into the forest

Before you hit the trail, make sure:

• You’re in shape
• You have the right clothing, shoes, and equipment
• You choose a trail that’s right for your level of experience, whether for hiking, biking, quadding, rock climbing, or snowmobiling
• You have a map, a compass, and/or a GPS
• You have a first aid kit, water, and something to eat (nuts, dried fruit, etc.)
• You have a phone or some other communication device
• You’ve told at least one person when you’re leaving, where you’re going, the route you’ll be taking, and when you expect to be back

Accident insurance: A smart idea for outdoor sports

CAA-Quebec’s insurance for all types of accidents covers things that aren’t necessarily included in group, life, or travel insurance plans or under public plans (SAAQ and RAMQ). 

The benefits will be paid (depending on the medical conditions covered by your policy) on top of any other insurance in case of death or permanent disability if you’re in a transport accident, including on a recreational vehicle like a  quad, snowmobile, or motorcycle. You’ll also be covered for sports and other activities (there are some exceptions), as well as when performing work around the house. Accident insurance also covers certain paramedical expenses (e.g., ambulance rides, a semi-private room, physiotherapy, rental crutches) and rehabilitation expenses. But it won’t cover loss of income.

How does Airmedic work?

Emergency air rescues are performed when it’s impossible to get someone out over land or when time is of the essence, or both. Airmedic is a CAA-Quebec partner organization that offers annual medical assistance plans so that you can be rescued in a timely fashion if something goes wrong. Medical care will be administered as soon as you’re loaded onto the helicopter, since the pilot and copilot fly with a nurse and respiratory therapist at all times.

As with CAA-Quebec Roadside Assistance, people with Airmedic plans enjoy peace of mind knowing they’re guaranteed rapid assistance in case of an emergency—and that it won’t break the bank. Need real-life examples? There was the woman who was badly injured in a snowmobiling accident. She had multiple lesions and fractures, so a land rescue operation wasn’t an option. She had to be flown out. Or the man who cut his thigh while working on a remote fishing cabin. He was bleeding profusely and needed urgent medical attention.  

Airmedic comes to the rescue where regular land operations can’t, for example in the Gaspé, the Saguenay, north of Baie-Comeau or La Tuque, and in remote communities and Indigenous territories. Many outfitters and wildlife reserves (ZECs) also use their first aid and evacuation services.

CAA-Quebec travel insurance: A great thing to have in your back pocket

With an Airmedic plan and your accident insurance, you’ll be covered in case of an accident or injury. But travel insurance also comes in handy, even in your home province! By choosing a policy that includes emergency medical care, which is what you get with CAA-Quebec Travel Insurance, you’ll be covered for emergency evacuations, even for non-medical reasons, as long as you’re on a trip, meaning you’ve spent at least one night at a hotel or other recognized establishment. 

Say you’ve rented a cabin up north, but forest fires are getting dangerously close, or an earthquake interrupts your vacation. The cost of an emergency evacuation in a mountain region, at sea, or in an otherwise remote location is covered, as well as the cost of getting you to the nearest place where you can be reached by firefighters or an ambulance (up to the maximum amount).

All it takes is a few precautions and you can head out into the bush with your mind at ease!