A 63-year old man who died after falling in tree well received CPR. The incident occurred on Whistler Mountain while skiing.

Dangers of tree wells

According to Whistler Blackcomb staff, the man was skiing near Ratfink run when the incident occurred. According to Brian Leighton, Whistler Blackcomb safety manager, the skier was highly experienced. He had skied here for many years and familiar with the terrain and had the ability to go there.

Edmonton first aid — The timely delivery of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is essential during emergencies.

The Whistler Mountain Ski Patrol, a paramedic and a mountain doctor responded immediately to the scene where members of the public were already attempting to resuscitate the man with CPR.

The man was transported to Whistler Health Care Centre via ambulance where he was declared dead. The identity of the man has not been released.

A tree well is a hole or depression that forms around the base of a tree where snow builds up. Tree wells do not usually start to form until we start to see the depth of snow that we are seeing now stated Leighton.

The mountain staff recommends to ski or ride in pairs within sight of one another and staying close enough together to dig each other out in case a tree well incident occurs.

Safety in the wilderness

The timely delivery of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is essential during emergencies. You can learn this life-saving technique by enrolling in a first aid course today.

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