Boundary Waters, Trip Reports, BWCA, Stories

Nightmare on Beth, but alls well.
by scotttimm

Trip Type: Paddling Canoe
Entry Date: 06/26/2023
Entry & Exit Point: Sawbill Lake (EP 38)
Number of Days: 4
Group Size: 9
Part 2 of 5
We were seamlessly connected to 911 through Grant's phone - they had our coordinates and a background on what happened. I relayed all the important info that I knew/observed. S had pulled out of the seizure - was very confused and had kind of a funny child-like wonder about her. After another 10 minutes she began to return to her old self, completely bewildered and not remembering anything. She remarked that she felt hungover, slight headache, though none of us brought alcohol on this trip. I talked both privately and then with S and the responder together, and the strong advice was to medically evacuate. With no prior seizures, it was a big red flag, and they were concerned she might seize again on the way out. S agreed it was best to follow the medical professional's recommendations. I think float planes were out of the question because of the Canadian fires, but not sure I remember why (smoke=dangerous?). They had EMT's on the way to Sawbill with an ambulance, Sawbill was tuned in, and were ready to paddle in on arrival. At this point, it was getting near 7am. I think they got the call just before 6am. Looking through the little "wilderness medicine" book in the first aid kit was reassuring - we'd done all we could and given her something sweet which helped. My brother had been on the receiving end of a scary Zoleo SOS notice - and through the device I asked him to reach out to all the parents and family letting them know the situation and that the kids were all ok. He had everyone’s contact information from our trip plan, and our exact location from Zoleo. I was also able to communicate with S's father, who was rightly very concerned but calm.

We decided that Grant would paddle my wife and E out to follow the ambulance, then return either the same night or in the morning. The EMTs arrived in camp around 9am, they were very professional, straightforward, kind and knowledgeable. We had E and others pack up all their stuff, so they would have it and so we wouldn't have to portage all their gear as well. The medical crew and S paddled off, followed shortly by Grant, my wife and E. The teenagers and I just stood around for a bit, stunned by what had happened.