BE RESCUE READY

As the most mountainous region of Canada, it should come as no surprise that British Columbia is also the province with the highest number of search and rescues.

In addition to enticing scenery, easy access to this mountainous terrain often gives outdoor enthusiasts a false sense of security that can mislead hikers and backcountry adventurers into areas they’re not prepared or equipped for. Every day, people innocently misjudge their skills, gear and conditions and find themselves lost or injured.

On average, more than 1,500 times a year, search and rescue (SAR) groups in B.C. are called out to assist outdoor enthusiasts. Based on data collected by the BC Search and Rescue Association (BCSARA), these incidents are primarily due to injury, getting lost or disoriented or exceeding the abilities of the recreationalist.

Decisions made before leaving home could have prevented many of these SAR callouts or lessened the amount of suffering – simply by doing a little planning and preparedness ahead of time. To help reduce the number and severity of SAR responses, BCSARA asks all recreationalists to make sure they have completed the following three Ts (trip planning, training and taking the essentials).

Trip Planning

Leaving a trip plan or letting others know where you are going and what your plans are provides extremely valuable information to search groups if you end up needing rescue.

• Plan your travel route that includes the actual trail (s) and locations you will be going to

• Watch a trail specific safety video

• Know the terrain and conditions

• Check the weather

• Fill out an AdventureSmart Trip Plan

Training

Many outdoor recreationalists commit to activities that are beyond their skill level or beyond the conditions they are prepared for. What starts out as a warm sunny hike can end up in deep snow at the summit of some of B.C.’s trails.

• Obtain the knowledge and skills you need before heading out.

• Take a free training course or enroll in a free instructional webinar.

• Know and stay within your limits.

• Spend some time inside watching BCSARA’s YouTube channel video library.

Taking The Essentials

No matter what the activity, always be ready for an unexpected night outdoors. It takes time to locate lost persons and nightfall will increase that search time. Carry a backpack with these essential items and don’t forget to add in items for seasonal conditions.

1. Flashlight or light source

2. Fire making kit

3. Signaling device (i.e., whistle, hand mirror)

4. Extra food and water

5. Extra clothing

6. Navigational/communication devices

7. First aid kit

8. Emergency blanket/shelter

9. Pocket knife

10. Sun protection

For a full description of the essentials, please visit this AdventureSmart webpage.

In An Emergency

If you find yourself in difficulty, call 911 as soon as possible. In many cases, search teams have been able to ping a lost person’s cellphone and guide them back to their trail just by talking to them by phone. There is no charge for search and rescue in B.C.

The 911 operator will dispatch the RCMP and they will request search and rescue (SAR teams can only be activated by certain requesting agencies). When your phone makes an emergency 911 call, it will connect with any cell tower in range, even if it is not from your network provider.

If you are using a satellite phone, you will not be able to dial 911 and will need to call 1-800-663-3456, which will connect you to an emergency coordination centre. Some phone models, such as the iPhone 14 and higher, are equipped with a satellitebased SOS feature. This is especially helpful when out of cell range. Consider purchasing a phone that offers this option or a personal locator beacon if you are a regular outdoor recreationalist.

Don’t forget to learn how to obtain your smart phone’s GPS reading and ensure your location services are turned on. During the 911 call, you can relay these coordinates to the operator, who will then pass it on to search crews. If you don’t know how to find this information yourself, authorities and search crews have the ability to get an accurate fix on your device’s location, without any further action or input on your part.

If you are worried about a friend or loved one who is overdue, do NOT wait to call 911. Call as soon as you are concerned. Search and rescue teams require time to deploy and, the earlier they know, the faster they can respond.

Shelter In Place

If you’re waiting for rescue and your phone rings, please answer it even if you don’t recognize the number. It may be search and rescue calling. Stay calm and maintain a positive attitude. Remember to STOP (stop, think, observe and plan) and don’t move from your location. If you move, it will increase search time and the amount of area that search teams have to cover.

Finally, signal for help, especially if you hear or see a helicopter or people. Use whistle blasts x 3, mirror flashes x 3, horn blasts x 3, signal fires x 3 or rock piles x 3 to signal distress. You can also create a ground-to-air symbol by making the letter “V” or “SOS”, at least three meters in length.

Be rescue ready

As freezing levels rise and warm weather approaches, it’s a great time to think about what you can do to reduce the search and rescue call volume for B.C.’s 3,400 SAR volunteers. Small measures like leaving a trip plan, taking some free training and packing the essentials can go a long way towards keeping everyone safe.

As you head outdoors, make sure you’re rescue ready!

To learn more, visit https://bcsara. com/outdoor-education/

The Langford Emergency Program would like to congratulate and thank Langford’s ESS dedicated volunteers in recognition of Emergency Preparedness Week.

We appreciate and thank all our Saanich Emergency Program volunteers for their dedication to our community. Your commitment, knowledge and enthusiasm make a positive difference every day. @SaanichEP

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CENTRAL SAANICH Emergency Program emergencyprogram@csaanich.ca

250-544-4238

Make a Plan, Build a Kit and Stay informed by signing up for Saanich Peninsula Alert www.centralsaanich.ca/spa

This Emergency Preparedness Week, Esquimalt Fire Rescue wants to thank all the volunteers who step up when it comes to preparing our communities for disasters and emergencies.

The North Saanich Fire Department would like to thank all of our dedicated volunteers for their time, effort and commitment to keeping our community safe. 250-656-1931

NorthSaanichFire.ca

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The Sidney Emergency Program extends its sincerest appreciation to our volunteers who continue to exceed expectations and provide exceptional service. Thank

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