Heroic SAR Rescue a moment of pride for British Columbians

This past weekend’s dramatic rescue of two American children from Burke Mountain led by Coquitlam’s Search and Rescue group is an important reminder of how fortunate we are to live here in British Columbia, where selfless volunteer-driven Search and Rescue Groups spring into action at a moments’ notice, saving lives.

I don’t think I’m the only one who feels proud to be a British Columbian when stories like these are told of us looking out for each other, and investing in our safety. “We’re all in this together,” we say, and we put our money where our mouths are.

Here in British Columbia, dedicated BC SAR volunteers risk life and limb to respond and rescue those lost or hurt in the wilderness or water. British Columbians proudly support their efforts and the BC Government’s recent announcement of $18.6 million in supplemental funding to Ground Search and Rescue (GSAR) groups over the next three years in addition to the annual operating funding we provide (in 2018/19 this was over $9 million) was well received.

 

 

 

 

This funding represents the single largest provincial GSAR investment in BC’s history – a 24% increase from the $5 million per year in supplemental funding announced in 2016 – and will go a long way to ensure that SAR groups have the funds they need to purchase equipment, cover administration costs, and bolster training.

But as these investments help supercharge our already superhuman SAR heroes, so do they demonstrate our commitment to each other as British Columbians: in particular, as British Columbians who believe in helping people who are in need, regardless of the circumstances that led them there.

It is this sense of collective responsibility that allows British Columbia not only to support the efforts of SAR volunteers, but also to make some of the most important investments a society can make in itself: universal healthcare, universal child care, public education, housing, poverty-reduction programs, public transportation, and many more programs that we often forget to appreciate that we’ve built together.

We will never be able to sufficiently thank the incredible SAR volunteers of BC for the work that they do, but we can lift them up as a reminder of the best parts of ourselves as we work together to build a better BC for everyone.

 

---

 

Just remember, if you find yourself out in the elements after getting lost or injured, your preparation – or lack of it – could mean the difference between whether you make it home alive or not.

Being prepared not only aides in your survival if you find yourself lost; it also helps SAR groups in their rescue.

The following essentials are recommended by AdventureSmart BC to bring on any outdoor hike – short or long:

1. 1. Flashlight, spare batteries and bulb
   2. Fire-making kit – waterproof matches/ lighter, fire starter/candle
   3. Signalling device – whistle or mirror
   4. Extra food and water (1 litre/person)
   5. Extra clothing (rain, wind, water protection and toque)
   6. Navigation/communication aids
   7. First aid kit—know how to use it
   8. Emergency shelter
   9. Pocket knife
   10. Sun protection (glasses, sunscreen, hat)
       

 

Link: https://www.adventuresmart.ca/land/survive-essentials.htm