A partnership that makes sense!
The Sur la pointe des pieds foundation, organizer of the CRYO Race, and Airmedic form a natural alliance.
On February 18, participants in the CRYO Race took on Lac Saint-Jean by running or cycling. This 34 km winter challenge took place in difficult conditions. However, the runners completed the distance safely, supervised by the Airmedic team.
The Airmedic crew, consisting of the pilot, co-pilot, and two nurses, monitored the race. They were ready to intervene in case of an emergency.
Active medical support for the CRYO Race
For several years, Airmedic has been protecting the Foundation’s activities and adventures. Sur la pointe des pieds organizes therapeutic adventure expeditions for young people with cancer. Its mission is to help these young people reach their full potential and cope with their illness through another form of therapy.
This fourth edition of the CRYO winter crossing raised funds to finance its activities. Despite the freezing temperatures, the event was a success.
Braving the harsh weather conditions day and night
Several starts took place throughout the day. To kick things off, around 20 cyclists set off on the CRYO race, covering a 34 km route across the lake. This route usually takes around 1.5 hours to complete. However, it took winner Victor Verrault over 2.5 hours to finish.
Conditions on the lake were harsh: heavy snow, thick ice, and strong winds. Despite this, the Foundation team and its volunteers worked tirelessly to ensure the best conditions for the runners. In addition, a snowmobile equipped with a scraper was used to improve the track. However, the precipitation made the task more difficult for all participants.
The challenge intensified as night fell. The cold became more intense. Snow and wind also slowed down the runners who persisted in crossing the finish line. Meanwhile, the Airmedic medical team flew over the course to the finish line. Finally, a few hours after the start of the endurance race, more than 50 runners had to abandon the race.
Support and care for CRYO Race runners with Secours 02 and Airmedic
On site, volunteers made repeated trips back and forth across the lake to bring runners from the refreshment stations to the finish line, where the Airmedic and Secours 02 medical team was waiting for them. All runners were then assessed before being released.
Airmedic nurses voluntarily took charge of runners who were more seriously ill or whose condition had deteriorated. However, no CRYO Race participants needed to be transported to a hospital. Thus, the interventions were quick and effective.
“We were called to help runners who were returning and not feeling well, because the cold was unforgiving this year. I felt that we were also providing moral support to the rescue team on site and that our presence with the helicopter team was a huge relief to them. “
Sabrina Mihaela, flight nurse
The success of the event
Michael Pilote, chief helicopter pilot at Airmedic and participant in the CRYO Race, wowed the crowd by completing the course in less than 3 hours and 30 minutes and raising $1,000 for the Foundation.
The Foundation raised a total of over $300,000 to fund its activities!!
Despite extreme conditions, the Sur la pointe des pieds team had planned for the worst by protecting its event with the Secours 02 first responder team and the Airmedic medical team ready to take off with an injured person at any time. This is what we call an Airmedic-certified safe event.
“It’s thanks to them that we were able to hold the CRYO Race with confidence that nothing could happen to our participants. It was an edition we will remember not only for its record number of participants, but also for the massive mobilization and recognition of volunteers. “
— Jean-Charles Fortin, Director of the Sur la pointe des pieds Foundation
Airmedic is proud to partner with a foundation that cares deeply about the quality of life of young people with cancer. Whether it’s a small or large event, safety is a fundamental aspect of this type of project or adventure. Airmedic is pleased to be able to offer protection and support to the Sur la pointe des pieds foundation. For daily activities or large-scale projects, Airmedic is there.
