Technical Rope Rescue

Technical rope rescue involves the use of specialized equipment to access a subject and safely recover them. Terrain being worked in for this speciallty can range from low slopes, steep slopes  and vertical cliffs.

SwiftWater
Rescue

Swiftwater rescue deals in whitewater river conditions.

All search and rescue personnel working near water are required to hold at minimum a swiftwater operations ticket and crews working in the water need technician level.

During the spring and periods of heavy rain, waterways can become quite hazardous in the Peace. There is no easy way to overcome the power of rushing water. Rescue teams may use equipment such as throw bags, rope systems, direct contact or boats to safety access and retrieve a subject.

Avalanche
response 

Avalanche rescue skills and recovery. Involves locating and extracting subjects who have been buried in avalanches.

Unless SAR members are onsite when a burial occurs, most SAR team responses to avalanched areas are to assist with body recoveries. Avalanche safety must be practiced by those who are recreating in the backcountry in order for a timely group rescue be made. If you're out in avalanche terrain, make sure you have the minimum avalanche safety training (AST1) and insist your partners do too! Remember to review and practice with your group, they are your lifeline!

Most members of NPSAR are trained in AST1 and our team now has two current CAA Avalanche Operations Level 1 trained members who are used to complete hazard assessments and provide training to our team. These individuals assist CAA Operations Level 2 members in completing avalanche tasks or body recoveries.

Ice Rescue

Emphasis on self rescue. Trained in rescue techniques and equipment for rescuing others.

Tracking

Tracking is observation, stalking and following of a trail or sign. Unlike the form of tracking employed in hunting, tracking within SAR tends to focus on the tracking of people. A trail is made up of a series of sign which is laid on the ground or in the vegetation.

Search Techniques

Standardized methods of search initiation, progression and termination allow for faster and more accurate searching.

Type 1 - Initial Response Searches
Type 2 - Sweep Searches
Type 3 - Grid Searches

Map and Compass

The ability to read a map and use a compass effectively is an essential skill for all members of the SAR team. GPS technology is standard equipment in SAR, but if it fails members must be able to navigate manually. 

Survival Skills

SAR members are not prepared to participate in a wilderness search and rescue unless they are able to cope with at least some of the situations facing a missing person.

Searchers are always prepared to stay in the wilderness for 24 hours or more should they become delayed, injured or otherwise stranded due to weather conditions. Practical knowledge of survival skills is essential for all SAR members.

Communication

Communication is critical to all SAR operations. All members must be familiar with protocols, operation and technical details of communication equipment they are using.

Helicopter Safety

Helicopters are used in SAR operations for two main tasks: to move crews and equipment to the search area and to evacuate injured subjects.

Team members take courses for helicopter operations including hover exit training when terrain makes it difficult for a helicopter to land.

Even though they are a valuable resource they do have some disadvantages. Disadvantages include cost, physical limitations (i.e. capacity), inability to function in poor weather or at night, and difficulty communicating with ground teams.

Avalanche Safety

SAR members are trained to recognize potential avalanche areas and stay clear of them. Tasks and training in avalanche areas is only done with members who have minimum training of Avalanche Skills Training 1 (AST1) or JIBC EMRG-1750 with a supervising CAA Level 1 and/or 2.

Evacuations

Many subjects require evacuation – that is, they cannot or should not walk out on their own. Stretcher transportation is often required either manually or in combination with mechanized transport. Team members assist the lead medic to safely package the subject for extraction.

Basic Rope Skills

The responsibilities of a SAR member include the ability to perform basic rope management functions. This includes tying of rescue knots involved in a ground-based evacuation and setup/management of a basic rope system.

This skill qualifies the SAR member to aid or assist in stretcher carries through uneven terrain under the supervision of a certified Ground Search Team Leader. It does not qualify the SAR member to participate in technical rope rescues.

First Aid

Occupational First Aid Level I is a basic requirement for all SAR members. Members are also trained in Transportation Endorsement for packaging subjects in stretchers for transport. Some members have advanced medical training, such as, Wilderness First Aid (WFA), Occupational First Aid Level 3 (OFA3), Emergency Medical Responder (EMR) or Primary Care Paramedic (PCP).