Rescuers say a man who survived three days in the woods while trapped underneath a fallen tree is fortunate to have survived.
"He sure is lucky…he's a strong guy to make it through that weather the way he did," said Joe Zaik.
Zaik, a volunteer firefighter, is one of about 15 people who rushed to the man's aid after he was found about 35 kilometres north of Teulon.
The 51-year-old man had been working cutting down wood when something went wrong and he was pinned under a tree.
Nellie Nosaty says a man knocked on her door looking for help Saturday morning after he found his brother trapped under the fallen tree in woods nearby.
"He was panicking…he just walked out (and) he was shaking," said Nosaty.
The 51-year-old man is recovering in hospital after rescuers responded.
In the past 12 months, three other Manitobans have been successfully located after being reported missing in Manitoba's wilderness for multiple days, including Nadia Monaco, 68.
She survived two days in Belair Provincial Forest in September by seeking shelter in an abandoned shack and wrapping herself in paper to keep warm until she was found by rescuers.
Joseph Kuz, 86, got lost hiking near Hadashville in September. He spent four days in the wilderness, even drinking swamp water to survive, before being rescued.
Chris Jones from the Office of the Fire Commissioner was involved in both of those rescues.
He says being prepared when going into the woods is key in case a person becomes lost.
"You want to try not to go in the environment…without supplies," said Jones.
Experts say people should bring an extra meal, warm clothing and matches to start a fire if they become lost. People should also tell someone where they are going and when they will be back, in case something goes wrong.
The province has wilderness tips on its website at:
http://www.gov.mb.ca/emo/general/woods.pdf
- with a report from CTV's Caroline Barghout
