Regional SAR Teams launch massive training exercise
By Contributor
Search and Rescue (SAR) teams from all over the southeast region of the province will converge on the Slocan Valley for a weekend of training exercises that will put all their skills to the test at West Kootenay SAREX 2016 August 20 – 21.
On Saturday, areas around Slocan Park and Pedro Creek forest service road will see increased actively as close to one hundred volunteers participate in a real life, real time exercise that puts their skills and abilities to the test. Rope rescue, tracking, medical assessment and evacuation of subjects will be the focus of this scenario.
The Sunday will be busy around Slocan Park as volunteers take in workshops and demonstrations in and around Slocan Park Hall. Of note is the helicopter operations course that will see two helicopters landing and taking off every 10 minutes for two hours as teams become familiar with all aspects of helicopter operations and safety. Volunteers will also focus on swift water rescue and tracking.
SAR volunteers in BC are unpaid and make many sacrifices of their time to ensure their skills and abilities are effective when needed.
This training weekend is sponsored major donors like FortisBC and the Regional District of Central Kootenay as well as local businesses like Endless Adventure, Playmor Power Products, Heritage Credit Union, Slocan Valley Co-op, Kootenay Valley Helicopters and Columbia Power Corporation.
Without community support, this regional training weekend would not be possible.
Thank you!
Castlegar Society For Search And Rescue
Contact Event Coordinator
Gord Ihlen at gihlen@ rdck.bc.ca
250-226-7277
