Locating, Accessing, Stabilizing and Transporting are the key goals of Ground SAR. We locate through specialized ground search techniques, access with ropes and other specialized equipment, stabilize with first aid techniques and transport by a variety of methods and vehicles.

All BVSAR members are trained and certified in ground search operations. Searches are conducted at any time of the year, at any time of the day, in any type of terrain. Many searches are completed in a few hours; occasionally, they take several days. As volunteers, SAR members in BC are not paid for the time they contribute.

Locating, Accessing, Stabilizing and Transporting are the key goals of Ground SAR. We locate through specialized ground search techniques, access with ropes and other specialized equipment, stabilize with first aid techniques and transport by a variety of methods and vehicles.

All BVSAR members are trained and certified in ground search operations. Searches are conducted at any time of the year, at any time of the day, in any type of terrain. Many searches are completed in a few hours; occasionally, they take several days. As volunteers, SAR members in BC are not paid for the time they contribute.

The BVSAR response area includes technically challenging climbing and mountaineering objectives. Members of the mountain rescue team are highly skilled and trained to effect search and rescue operations in all types of terrain and weather conditions.

The Winter Response team comprises members certified to various levels by the Canadian Avalanche Association to lead and effect rescues in avalanche terrain.

Rope Rescue Team Members are trained in slope rescues, high angle rescues, stretcher rigging, subject packaging, and a multitude of command and safety protocols. They may be asked to rappel down a cliff, ascend back up, cross a high line, control a stretcher as they are lowered over an edge, haul a subject and rescuer back to the top of a bluff using a simple pulley system and some muscle, operate a brake rack, rig a pre-tensioned back-tie, extend an anchor, the list goes on and on.

All BVSAR members have at minimum basic first aid and CPR training. Emergency Management BC requires every volunteer to have at least eight hours of training. Most of our team members have a higher level of training, including many members trained on Wilderness Advanced First Aid, and Wilderness First Responder.

Members are trained to respond in wilderness environments, covering relevant topics such as hypothermia, drowning, trauma, and more. Members are also trained to do first aid modified for the wilderness, including building splints, hypothermia wraps, and stretchers with only materials you’ve carried in. Our team is diverse and includes members who are paramedics, nurses, or medical doctors.