COQUITLAM (NEWS1130) – If you’re an avid hiker, and you get injured on a trail, don’t expect to get rescued by helicopter, unless you’re stranded on the North Shore.

That’s because North Shore Rescue is the only unit in Canada that has been given the go-ahead to use their long-line rescue equipment.

Last month, rescue units across Canada learned their long-line kits were no longer certified, and had to be pulled from use.

On Friday,  North Shore Rescue had its equipment deemed okay to use, after their long-lines were submitted as a test case, and passed certification.

But other rescue units continue to wait.

The inability to use the equipment is especially frustrating for Coquitlam Search and Rescue, which had just acquired the long-line kits this fall, after years of fundraising for the $60,000 rope system.

The unit’s Dwight Yochim says the waiting is making him nervous. One of the reasons they acquired the kit was because they are often called upon to extract injured people from difficult situations.

“We had a call for an injured mountain biker just last weekend. Luckily, the spot was easily accessible by road and trail,” he points out.

The rescue equipment also gives rescuers peace of mind.

“Part of the reason we got this kit is for our own safety. When we send a team into the mountains, and keep in mind we’re now into the winter season, and one of the members gets injured, it’s our rapid intervention team that would have gone in to rescue them.”

Yochim hopes their new kit will arrive next month.