A Midnight Rescue for a Mysterious Bite

In a surprising turn of events on June 15, Cowichan Search and Rescue (CSAR) launched a late-night mission to Pineapple Beach near Honeymoon Bay after a man suspected he had been bitten by a bat. The rescue operation, described as a first for the team, began just after 1 a.m.

Eyewitnesses reported that campers had observed bats in the area. However, as the night wore on, one camper experienced pain and noticed unusual puncture marks on his leg, prompting immediate action.

Rescue Operation in Full Swing

CSAR quickly mobilized a team, responding by boat to bring the injured individual to safety. With ten members participating, they successfully completed the operation by 6 a.m. "Our priority was to ensure the man's swift transport for medical evaluation," said CSAR spokesperson Jamie Tudway-Cains.

The Urgency of Rabies Awareness

Time is critical for anyone who believes they may have been bitten by a bat, as rabies can be fatal if not treated promptly. According to the B.C. Centre for Disease Control, immediate medical intervention is crucial—waiting for symptoms to appear can be too late for effective treatment.

What to Do After a Bite Incident

If bitten or scratched by a potentially rabid animal, the health authorities recommend the following steps:

1. **Wash the wound** thoroughly with soap and water under moderate pressure for at least 15 minutes.

2. **Seek medical attention** immediately from a doctor or local public health unit.

Rabies: A Rare but Serious Risk in B.C.

While bites from rabid animals are uncommon in British Columbia, the stakes are high. The B.C. Centre for Disease Control emphasizes that rabies, once established, is almost always fatal without timely treatment.

Need More Info? Contact the Experts!

For residents seeking advice on safely handling bats or reporting sightings, resources are available through the Got Bats? B.C. Community Bat Program. They can be reached at www.bcbats.ca, via email at [email protected], or by calling 250-714-1990.