A major rescue operation involving a paraglider took place yesterday in the municipality of Pontiac, Luskville sector, following an accident that occurred around 2:15 p.m. in Gatineau Park.
The victim, a 61 year old man from Gatineau, is believed to be an experienced paraglider and practiced regularly at this location.
Due to the difficulty in reaching the victim and the steep location, several partners were involved in this rescue operation.
Police officers from the MRC des Collines-de-l’Outaouais, firefighters from the Pontiac and La Pêche fire departments, the City of Ottawa’s specialized firefighting team, paramedics, NCC conservation officers and the Sûreté du Québec helicopter participated in the operation.
The victim was extracted with the assistance of the helicopter at approximately 6:20 p.m. and subsequently transported by ambulance to a hospital for treatment of serious and life-threatening injuries.
At this time, the causes and circumstances of this accident are still unknown.
*** We would also like to highlight the exceptional contribution and dedication of a brother and sister who live in the area and who voluntarily assisted the emergency services throughout the intervention by guiding our personnel, providing climbing equipment, helping to care for the victim, and going back and forth to the mountain with medical equipment. In short, simply amazing! THANK YOU ***