We are Salt Spring Search and Rescue
Salt Spring Island Search & Rescue has been active in our community since 1989. We are a dedicated group of approximately 40 unpaid professional volunteers trained to search for, rescue and assist missing persons. Our members are highly skilled in teamwork, ground search tactics, first aid, wilderness navigation, tracking, survival, radio communications, high-angle rope rescue, and helicopter safety.
We serve Salt Spring Island and the surrounding Southern Gulf Islands. We also respond to mutual aid requests from neighbouring SAR groups on Vancouver Island and mainland BC.
Salt Spring SAR is the perfect volunteer vocation for islanders with a passion for the outdoors who are eager to challenge themselves, in a friendly and supportive environment.
Lost, injured, or facing natural disaster, we are here 24/7, 365 days/year with NO COST for SAR Services.
SAR has successfully completed fundraising for our new Command Vehicle
Many thanks to all generous donors including 100 Women Who Care, The Royal Canadian Legion, Country Grocer, Foundations and individuals.
The Past
1998 Converted Grumman Bread Van
The current 24 year-old Command Vehicle (CV) has been invaluable over two decades but has reached the end of its useful service. It has been out-of-service frequently and is incapable of accessing many of the areas where searches are required.
While the CV has been able to accommodate up to four management staff, it is clearly an outdated design due to increased demands from a functional standpoint.
The Future
2022 Ford F550 with custom-built Incident Command Box
The new Command Vehicle (CV) will have significant technical and safety up-grades including 4-wheel drive that will greatly expand the areas under which the CV can be deployed.
A reputable manufacturer is now building the new Command Vehicle based on a proven design used by other SAR groups.
The CV will be the operations hub of all search, rescue and emergency activities on Salt Spring and other Southern Gulf Islands.
Membership Recruitment
contact us for more information
Learn rewarding new skills in first aid, wilderness survival and high-angle rope rescue
Save lives and reunite lost people with their family and friends
Join a friendly, enthusiastic group of islanders who are committed to ongoing personal development and community support
Challenge yourself to try something new while helping others on Salt Spring Island and beyond
Be part of an effort that unites more than 3,000 volunteers from all walks of life in 79 SAR groups across British Columbia
Salt Spring #SAR and Salt Spring Island Fire Department recently had an excellent interagency training night with a focus on patient comfort, prevention of further injuries and hypothermia with packaging techniques while maneuvering a basket stretcher and wheel through varying off road terrain.
All in the goal to help the members of the public who may find themselves in need of assistance, with the best care possible.
BZ teams.
#bettertogether #emergencyresponsessiTraining with other agencies ensures more effective communication in emergencies and consequently better patient care. Thanks @saltspringsar for creating a great training exercise this week on packaging and transportation.
April 7th, 2024; #ssisar was tasked for a medical rescue at the rock climbing routes up in Mount Maxwell Provicial park for a climber who sustained a severe lower leg injury after a fall.
Working with BCEHS Paramedics on scene, the injured person was stabilized, splinted, provided rewarming and heat insulation for the long steep stretcher carry to the summit. The injured climber was then evacuated in our Equipment vehicle to the ambulance staging area, before transport to local hospital for further care.
This long and complex evacuation shows incredible teamwork and cooperation between SSISAR and BCEHS Paramedics.
Fellow climbers were very prepared and had provided the injured climber with good insulation and comfort, we thank them for their excellent support and assistance during this task.
#nocostforrescue #unpaidprofessionals #rescue
Join us today, March 9th 2024 to celebrate the incredible life of our great friend and colleague, Tudor Davies.Our friend Tudor Davies has left us with so many great memories. Join is today as we celebrate his life.
Ground Search & Rescue
All SAR members take an minimum 80-hour course when they join the team. This course includes the fundamental training in the following areas:
search types and techniques
wilderness navigation (map, compass, GPS)
survival skills / personal preparedness
communications
rope management
rescue techniques
basic tracking
helicopter safety
basic avalanche awareness
basic swift water rescue
Salt Spring Island Search and Rescue (SAR) Society operates under the oversight of the Emergency Management BC (EMBC) program. We operate with dedicated volunteers trained to find and help missing or lost individuals, as well as provide assistance during natural disasters like forest fires and earthquakes.
We are responsible for wilderness and urban ground Search and Rescue missions, including inland waters and tidal shorelines.
Our primary geographic area of responsibility is Salt Spring Island and the southern Gulf Islands, which includes Galiano, Mayne, Pender, Saturna, and more than 50 smaller islands in the vicinity. We also provide mutual aid support to other SAR groups in British Columbia, as requested.
SAR members are skilled in first aid, tracking, wilderness navigation and survival, radio communications, high-angle rope rescue and helicopter safety. The group has been active since 1989 and our team has approximately 40 men and women, ranging in ages from 25 to 70.
Contact:
Salt Spring Search and Rescue
261 Fulford-Ganges Road
Salt Spring Island BC V8K 2K6
Phone: (250) 526-0095
Email: info@saltspringsar.org
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Through Canada Helps