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BVSAR thanks Galore Creek Mining Corporation for t

BVSAR thanks Galore Creek Mining Corporation for their incredibly generous donation of $15,000.00 towards our new building at the Smithers Airport! It's amazing to have this kind of support from our local companies.

We have finally completed our drywall and painting phases; we are now working toward getting our Occupancy Permit so we can move in and have one, central operations location.

BVSAR wishes to remind everyone that we are available 24/7, 365 days a year, and are always free. Please call 911 if you need us!

Photo: Kate Wills

A huge kudos to our 17 volunteer members, Silver K

A huge kudos to our 17 volunteer members, Silver King Helicopters Inc., the RCMP and BCEHS on our combined efforts to extract an overdue hiker from the Twin Falls area on Sunday night. The hiker had walked to the glacier above Twin Falls and was displaced from the path coming back down.

On a local FB page, a concerned family member had asked how to callout Search and Rescue. Many folks correctly indicated that our services can be accessed through 911. Some of our members were also personally tagged in the comments. The family proceeded to call 911. While the formalities of the 911 call made its way through the system to reach our team, we used the early awareness to begin planning what resources we would need to assist the hiker.

What worked great:
1. The family had been in contact with the hiker and knew when to anticipate his return. Having this preplan saved a lot of extra worry and concern.
2. We were notified while there was still significant daylight left to fly in a helicopter.
3. Our team continued their response inspite of some false positives that were claiming he had been found (we found him still in need of assistance).

The terrain in this area is very steep and arduous. The helicopter availability saved us from what otherwise would have been a multi-hour effort to access, stabilize and transport the hiker back down to the parking lot on foot.

Cell service is challenging in that area, and adding to that, the hikers phone battery had died as well.

Please be aware that we do not take formal requests for our assistance through social media.

Thank you again to all those who helped support this response and we're glad everyone was still smiling at the end!

Remember the 3 T's: Train, Trip plan and Take essentials!
www.adventuresmart.ca

Winter is here in the high county! Last night our

Winter is here in the high county! Last night our winter response team were tasked by the RCMP to provide assistance to 2 young male snowmobilers on the Microwave. 9 BVSAR members participated in the search all night until 5 AM this morning.

As you return to winter recreation activities remember to travel with the proper gear, get the training, be prepared for problems, and leave a detailed trip plan.

@bcadvsmart @avcan_northwest @avalanchecanada

BVSAR’s Winter Response Team, sundown training f

BVSAR’s Winter Response Team, sundown training for subject packaging and loading with @silverkingheli Photo: @conrad_thiessen

The Winter Response team was out this week honing

The Winter Response team was out this week honing its packaging and sled skills for when duty calls.

Remember, it’s never a good idea to travel in the mountains alone, and always a good idea to leave a trip plan. Carrying some sort of communication device can mean the difference between a swift rescue and something far more serious. If you are lost or in need of emergency help, your FIRST call should be to 911.

Thanks to all who participated in this year’s @s

Thanks to all who participated in this year’s @smithersrotary auction. Thanks to your support $17,000 was raised for BVSAR.

This past weekend, members of Bulkley Valley SAR a

This past weekend, members of Bulkley Valley SAR and @houstonsearchandrescue took part in training offered by @ravenrsm to become certified Ice Rescue Technicians.

The abnormally warm weather we’re experiencing in the Bulkley Valley is a great reminder to ALWAYS use caution when traveling, recreating or working on frozen waterways.

SNOW ICE VS CLEAR ICE.

Do you know how to spot the difference?

❄️Snow ice (similar to the white upper layer in the 3rd image) offers minimal strength and won’t support a lot of weight.

🧊Clear ice (the lower layer underneath) is the ideal hard ice for being a supported surface.

Know the recommended minimum depth for activities on new, clear, hard ice. If not, you could literally find yourself on thin ice!

If you break through:

🧥Do not panic. Your clothing will keep you buoyant.
🙌Turn towards the direction you came from and place your hands & arms flat on the unbroken surface.
🦵Kick your feet and try to push yourself up on top of the ice and onto your stomach.
🙇🏻Once you are lying on the ice, don’t stand up. Roll away until you are on solid ice.

If your buddy breaks through:
😌Stay calm and consider a solution.
🚫Don’t approach the hole. You might break through and then you’ll both need help.
🧐Use an item to throw or extend to your friend to pull them out of the water – No rope? Improvise with items such as jumper cables, skis, etc.
If you can’t rescue your buddy immediately, call 911! ☎️

@avalanchecanada recommends to avoid all avalanche

@avalanchecanada recommends to avoid all avalanche terrain in the region right now.

BVSAR responded to a rafting party on the Babine R

BVSAR responded to a rafting party on the Babine River that missed a check-in. Canadian Helicopters flew our swift water rescue team and located the rafters. All paddlers were fine but were unable to contact their safety check-ins.
When travelling in remote areas it’s important to carry a satellite communication device like an inReach or Spot.

Recent Posts

Rotary Club of Smithers Donates $17,000
BVSAR Spring Callout Roundup
BVSAR Welcomes 16 Trainees
Equipment Fundraising Goal Met
Equipment Stolen From BVSAR Hall

For a Search & Rescue Emergency
dial 911 and ask for police.

222 Airport Road
Smithers, BC
V0J JN0
info@bvsar.com

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