Central Fraser Valley Search and Rescue (CFVSAR) is currently seeking new members as well as donations toward a new rescue vehicle and team base.
SAR teams are typically called upon to assist local police with missing person searches. BC Ambulance also calls them for incidents that may involve vehicles, ATVs or bikes that have gone over steep embankments, resulting in people becoming trapped, injured or killed on dangerously steep terrain that would otherwise be inaccessible without a rope rescue system and trained rescuers.
In some cases, SAR volunteers travel by helicopter, boat, ATV or on foot into remote areas to assist hikers and hunters who have become injured on trails or in rugged backcountry areas.
In many cases, injured people require specialized medical packaging and transport out of challenging terrain.
Approximately 26 trained SAR volunteers with CFVSAR respond to 30 to 40 calls annually.
Volunteer SAR team members receive comprehensive and specialized training.
Recently, CFVSAR organized rope-rescue training for nine search and rescue (SAR) teams. Applications for new CFVSAR members are being accepted until Oct.14.
In addition, CFVSAR is hoping to raise $35,000 to help offset the costs of replacing an aging first-response vehicle that is regularly used for rope rescue, swift water rescue and ground searches.
CFVSAR also plans to replace its current team base as it has outgrown its current space. While it is located in Abbotsford, the organization takes part in searches and rescues in Langley.
For more details on becoming a volunteer or making a donation, visit cfvsar.bc.ca.