Nanaimo Search and Rescue
195 B Fourth St V9R 1T1 Nanaimo, BC, Canada

It’s #bellletstalkday. Search and Rescue doesn’t always have happy outcomes, and sometimes volunteers carry the weight of stress injuries unbeknownst to their family and friends. These are normal reactions to abnormal events, and we’d like our members to remember that it’s ok to not be ok. NSAR is proud to create an open, supportive environment for our teammates to debrief these critical incidents, and are also proud to partner with British Columbia Search and Rescue Association’s Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM) program for additional support. Remember, check on your family members and friends- now more than ever in this socially distanced world we live in. And let’s all work together to end the stigma around mental health; you do not have to struggle in silence. #NSAR #BCSARA #searchandrescue #BellLetsTalk

Our 8th task of January took us to Westwood Lake today, where a 71 year old female had become separated from her hiking partner and was several hours overdue. Teams quickly responded to the lake with our command and rescue vehicles, only to receive the news she had managed to find her way home safely. As a reminder, check out www.adventuresmart.ca for information on the three T’s: Taking the essential equipment, Training for your endeavours, and leaving a Trip plan. #NSAR #BCSARA #nanaimo #SAR #searchandrescue

Ground breaking! Today is a pretty monumental day for our team here at NSAR, with a building permit issued and shovels in the ground- finally signalling the beginning of a long awaited $2.4 million renovation of the historic Harewood Firehall as our permanent operations centre. NSAR received a $1 million donation from a private citizen several years ago to begin construction on a new facility, and we are elated to finally begin creating this legacy for the community of Nanai...mo. Immense gratitude to our benefactor, the City of Nanaimo Local Government, and the Government of British Columbia for funding this project, and to our Project Manager and General Contractor, R.W. (Bob) Wall Ltd, for their continued expertise in finally making this dream a reality for our members and the community we serve. #NSAR #BCSARA #nanaimo #groundbreaking

Did you notice the flares high above Mt Benson last night, Nanaimo? It was a busy day for NSAR members, with our 6th and 7th calls of the month occurring back to back. The second call of the day took us near the summit of Mt Benson to assist an injured hiker. With extremely icy conditions, darkness, and possible snow overnight NSAR tasked Canadian Forces Rescue Squadron 442 Comox via the Joint Rescue Coordination Centre. Both fixed wing Buffalo and rotary aircraft Cormorant a...rrived to NSAR’s location on Mt Benson at roughly 20:30, and while they were unable to lower their SAR Techs due to poor weather conditions they assisted by dropping flares into the night sky to provide visibility for our members. The injured hiker was evacuated off the mountain to a waiting NSAR vehicle and transferred to BC Emergency Health Services Paramedics. Many thanks to Arrowsmith Search And Rescue for having members standing by at the base of Mt Benson for further assistance should it have been necessary. As a reminder, conditions are extremely icy at higher elevations and weather can change quickly during these winter months. Plan ahead, leave a trip plan, and ensure your winter hiking essential gear contains items like micro spikes or trail crampons. An enormous thank you to Squadron 442 for their persistence in attempting to reach our location, and for the continued support throughout our rescue mission. #NSAR #BCSARA #442Comox #rescue

Not all who wander are lost... but those who are, should be able to call 911 without fear of shaming. We’ve all seen it, sadly. Subjects of a search or a rescue are criticized for their poor judgement, ill-planning, or lack of skills or knowledge that are then considered to have been irresponsible, fool hardy and cost taxpayers and endangered Search and Rescue. This is a great article by a fellow Search and Rescue member in the lower mainland in which he pleads with the ...public to make the shaming stop. He raises some excellent points for everyone to take note of and we urge you to read and to circulate this post. Everyone makes mistakes. If fear of reprisal and shaming causes people to try to make it out on their own or self-rescue, we will see worse outcomes. Search and Rescue train for this. We volunteer because we love what we do. And we do consider and train for the risks we encounter. We are here to do our duty without shame or judgement. If you are lost or hurt, call 911. I speak for all SAR volunteers when I say we would rather bring you home sooner and alive. Don’t wait. https://www.google.ca//shaming-those-who-need-to-be-r/amp/

Sometimes, our crews must take the road less travelled when responding to an emergency #sarprevention #beprepared #tripplan

Christmas looks a little bit different this year, with many not being able to celebrate as they usually would or carry on annual traditions. The same can be said for us here at NSAR, and while we sure are missing connection with our teammates we’re happy to forego the usual Christmas festivities to flatten the Covid curve. NSAR members continue to be on call 24/7, and are having an incredibly busy year despite the global pandemic we find ourselves in. When we heard Santa had... a free night and would be here in Nanaimo, we jumped at the chance to have our members/elves escort him through the city spreading some Christmas cheer. We made stops at homes of 20 of our members, and added some neighborhood children to Santa’s surprise visit while we were at it. Santa left happy and full of cookies, and promised to be back next week Huge thank you to Valhalla Pure Outfitters Nanaimo for donating gifts to our members, and to Chartwell Malaspina Care Residence for helping us ensure Santa was able to visit. #NSAR #BCSARA #nanaimo #santaclausiscomingtotown

As BC moves into further restrictions related to Covid-19, NSAR would like to remind outdoor enthusiasts to take great care while planning your chosen pursuits. Please recreate within your local community, leave a trip plan with a trusted contact, and pack supplies to be self sufficient for a minimum of 24 hours should problems arise with your trip. NSAR members have moved to virtual training only, however remain on call 24/7 to assist should it be required. Please do your ...part in reducing strain not only on British Columbia Search and Rescue Association teams but our healthcare system as a whole. #NSAR #BCSARA #covid19 #community #adventuresmart

NSAR members spent the last three days searching for missing anglers Cody Martin and Tamara Sandulak in the Nanaimo Lakes area. Early in the third operational period, Cody was able to reach cell phone reception and placed a call to his mother. RCMP Air 8 was able to reach the cold and hungry pair within minutes, and airlifted them to waiting medics and family. A happy ending like no other! NSAR is so grateful for the support of not only our neighbouring SAR teams, but our loc...al community as a whole. Mutual aid assistance was provided by Cowichan Search & Rescue, Ladysmith SAR, Arrowsmith Search And Rescue, Alberni Valley Rescue Squad, Comox Valley Search & Rescue, and Campbell River Volunteer Search and Rescue Society- with nearly 100 volunteers in attendance on Saturday. Mid Island ATV Club provided support searching on both Friday and Saturday, which allowed significantly more coverage in areas limited to off terrain vehicle travel. PEP Air provided air support with fixed wing aircraft for both Friday and Saturday’s search efforts, and BC RCMP Air 8 with air support for all operational periods. Coast Emergency Communications Association provided communications support for Friday and Saturday, and MosaicForests provided support with gate security, access to land for staging, and personnel at our staging area for further assistance. Gogo's Christmas Tree Farm also graciously opened their property to our teams for staging on Saturday, and was where Cody and Tamara were flown to reunite with their families. Tim Hortons provided hot coffee and Timbits for our volunteers, and Cobbs Bread Terminal Park provided delicious scones and treats. As you can see this list is immense, but it doesn’t even begin to underscore the human hours and effort that went into this coordinated effort. Fantastic work by all involved! We hope both Cody and Tamara enjoyed a warm night at home with Rex, and their relieved family members. #NSAR #BCSARA #mutualaid #RCMP #CASARA #CECA #bettertogether

Recently NSAR had the absolute pleasure of meeting the fine folks behind the VAN ISLE 500, who committed to cycling from Sooke to Port Hardy in loving memory of their dear friend, Neil Mackenzie. Neil tragically lost his life in a climbing accident on Mt Joffre in 2015. Neil was 31 years old, passionate about the outdoors and a mentor to many in the climbing community. NSAR was privileged to receive a donation from the Van Isle 500 folks, funds raised during their ride and in honour of Neil. Thank you for your generous donation, we are so honoured to pay it forward and assist in keeping Neil’s memory thriving. #NSAR #BCSARA

380 #BCSAR volunteers, 33 tasks last week. Just because it's the shoulder season doesn't mean these unpaid volunteers are not busy. You can help protect yoursel...f at this time of year by being aware of the hypothermia risks due to quickly changing temperatures, and dressing for the potential weather. Full weekly incident summary http://ow.ly/HuAg50C56P9

Congratulations to Vancouver Island’s newest team leaders! NSAR’s Grant Alexander and Kris Davies spent a gruelling weekend with folks from our neighbouring SAR teams participating in the Justice Institute of British Columbia: JIBC Ground Search Team Leader course. They are now equipped, and certified, to lead teams in the field on both searches and rescue tasks. Well done team!! #NSAR #BCSARA #JIBC #GSTL #leadership

Ever wonder what kind of gear Search and Rescue teams carry? The short answer is- a lot! Here’s Fred, one of our rope rescue techs, with our rope gear out for safety checks. Fred and Chris, another NSAR rope rescue technician, spent three days in Squamish in late September learning the new curriculum for the Rope Rescue 2 Technician course. They’ll spend Halloween weekend (maybe dressed as Waldo, right Chris?!) being tested on this new curriculum by the Justice Institute of British Columbia: JIBC and will hopefully head home among the first in BC with this accreditation! Great work you two, and good luck! #NSAR #BCSARA #roperescue

8 NSAR members spent the weekend at Nanaimo River certifying in, or renewing, their Swiftwater Rescue Technician training. Great job, team!

NSAR members have had a busy week, and we are looking forward to filling you in on the action! To start, big congratulations to NSAR K9 Hazel for successfully passing her 4th annual wilderness SAR validation with the RCMP Police Dog Service. Hundreds of hours each year are devoted to not only training a search dog, but to keeping them fit and their skills sharp. Belly rubs and high fives to you, Hazel! ... #NSAR #BCSARA #SARdogs #dogswithjobs #workingdogs

Almost 5 years ago NSAR, in partnership with a generous community donor, embarked on a journey to build a new facility that would suit both our current and long term needs- one that would also give our team enough space to not have our response zodiac suspended from the ceiling above an all-terrain vehicle! What a journey it was- with plans shifting from a new build, to a complete renovation of our current location in the historic Harewood District. In 2018, NSAR partnered w...ith R.W. (Bob) Wall Ltd as our project manager and today we are so pleased to finally announce that our development permit has been approved! We are so grateful to the City of Nanaimo for their support of this project, and to Donna at Bob Wall for her expertise and guidance. We are so looking forward to updating our supporters on this project and can’t wait to get started! #NSAR #BCSARA #nanaimo #community

That look of concentration NSAR was tasked today at 12:15 by BC Emergency Health Services to assist with an injured hiker near the Haslam Creek Suspension Bridge. 13 members responded, and completed a technical rope rescue and stretcher carry over the course of 3.5 hours. The woman was successfully transported to the waiting ambulance for further care. Rescues such as the one today often require significant technical skill, skills that are practiced continuously yea...r round so when they’re required our members are ready. Stay safe this long weekend, Nanaimo. And remember if you are heading into the backcountry - leave a trip plan and take the essentials! #NSAR #BCSARA #roperescue #ropetech #takeessentials #tripplan #adventuresmart See more

BC SAR teams are rescue ready 24/7. Help us to help you by leaving a trip plan when you head out #tripplan #adventure ready #bcsara

Thank-you and we will see you again friend. Yesterday we said thank-you and good luck to a foundational member of Nanaimo Search and Rescue. A jack of all trades and master of most. Over 26years he grew with this team, and the team with him. While he held many a position on this team and contributed so much, it’s the loss of his steadfast presence and unfaltering commitment that will rock this small team. The available stats don’t tell even 1/10th of the story. Over 4,000h...ours in only a few years. It’s a wonder the true tally of the time commitment he made, his family made, so that he could attend and lead hundreds of searches and rescues in Nanaimo and neighbouring communities. His achievements are great and contributions immeasurable. He was a prominent member of many specialty teams and a search manager for many years. He was instrumental in designing and outfitting our entire fleet of technical response vehicles, new and old, and filling so many other critical gaps. Not one to sit by, he put in over a thousand hours while healing from an injury and retraining in a new career recently. He will forever be a part of our SAR family and while we are truly sad to see him go, we wish him and his lovely wife Michelle the absolute best of luck on this exciting new chapter. We look forward to seeing you again soon. The hall will be quieter, the stories will be less (), but we will still call you for tech support at 2am. We will miss you in the bus. Hat’s off to you Al. #bcsara #volunteerbc

BC AdventureSmart is running a survey, with prizes! Check it out at this link: https://www.facebook.com//a.4683577803709/770731316800278/

NSAR was pleased to assist the Nanaimo RCMP earlier today in the search for this missing gentleman, who was located safely by our crews. This was our 6th task of the week. #NSAR #BCSARA #nanaimo

The uptick in SAR callouts that comes with the sunny weather has been no exception this year, with NSAR seeing 5 tasks in the last 4 days. Yesterday our K9 teams were requested to assist Arrowsmith Search And Rescue in locating a missing 40 year old woman in the Whiskey Creek area. Pending further information from the RCMP, the search has been stood down. Here is Hazel, NSAR K9 member, with her K9 counterpart Pickle from Campbell River Volunteer Search and Rescue Society, o...n yesterday’s task. #NSAR #BCSARA #mutualaid #K9SAR #dogswithjobs British Columbia Search Dog Association

Excellent news for all SAR Groups in British Columbia. A number of very dedicated SAR members representing all 79 SAR Groups in BC have worked with BCSARA and the government since 2013 to achieve this. This continued funding brings greater stability and financial predictability to all groups. It will aid in funding of training and equipment purchases and maintenance. It is also a clear recognition of the significant need for, and value of SAR, and the Groups that provide these services. Thank-you BCSARA and the government of BC. #bcsara

Summer seems to have arrived here on Vancouver Island, with sunny skies and the expected increase in SAR call volumes that comes with it! NSAR members have just completed their fourth task in three days, a high angle rope rescue at Nanaimo River in conjunction with Cranberry Firehall, North Cedar Fire Department and B.C. Emergency Health Services paramedics. Please, remember to plan ahead for your chosen outdoor adventure by leaving a trip plan, taking the essentials, and t...raining for your activity. While we hope you won’t need us this summer, we are available 24/7 if you do. #NSAR #BCSARA #mutualaid #adventuresmart #tripplan #train #takeessentials

NSAR has several members assist Campbell River Volunteer Search and Rescue today with this search in Strathcona Park, and will send another tomorrow. Best wishes for a positive outcome. #NSAR #BCSARA #mutualaid #strathconapark https://vancouverisland.ctvnews.ca//massive-search-ongoing

NSAR assisted Extension Volunteer Fire Department yesterday afternoon with the rescue of a hiker who had fallen near Nanaimo River. A truly multi-agency rescue with the cooperation of Extension FD, BC Ambulance, the Hoist Team from Campbell River Volunteer Search and Rescue Society and Comox Valley Ground Search & Rescue, as well as support from Ascent Helicopters Ltd. Well done to everyone, and wishes for a speedy recovery to our injured subject. #NSAR #BCSAR #extensionfire #mutualaid #bettertogether

Not all hero’s wear capes! Some wear SAR uniforms and are called Dad, too. NSAR is so lucky to have an amazing group of men on this team, working within the outdoor world to be leaders and giving back to their community in such a meaningful way. Thank you for being such incredible role models for your children, we hope you have the best day with your families! #NSAR #BCSARA #fathersday #heros #superdad