Coquitlam Search and Rescue ( CSAR ) , formed in 1972, is looking for new members ! Story by LJI reporter, Nancy Furness.

CSAR is a volunteer Search and Rescue team based in Coquitlam, British Columbia, Canada. They serve the communities of Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam, Port Moody, Anmore, Belcarra, Burnaby and New Westminster.

Over the years, the team has grown into about 45 active members. The team is called out to roughly 30 to 40 search and/or rescue operations each year, including mutual aid calls to other teams in the Lower Mainland, and other areas in the Province of British Columbia, and in Washington State.

The CSAR recruitment process happens approximately once every two years, and is in effect now ! The deadline to sign up is August 1st !

Prospective members must complete a free online course EMRG 1703, Introduction to Search and Rescue and submit an online application. Applications are reviewed and the best-qualified candidates are invited to an evaluation hike. The hike will take place in terrain that is typical for searches in this area, and it is rated a moderate hike.

CSAR members will be watching for your level of fitness, outdoors knowledge, attitude, proper gear, etc. Successful applicants then attend an interview of about 30 minutes with the CSAR recruitment committee.

Selection of new members is made as quickly as possible after the interviews, and all those interviewed are informed of the results.

Those who are selected will begin training in early November and will be eligible to become full members once all training requirements have been completed, roughly one year.

Training requirements are as follows:

1. Member-in-training (MIT) is a minimum of one year, total of 105-120hr. of classroom and training to become an Active Member.
2. Participate in the Task Ready Team (1hr prior to training).
3. 100% attendance rate is a must.
4. Minimum of 50% attendance at tasks callouts.
5. Once voted in as an Active Member you will have the opportunity to advance your skills with a variety of courses.

Coquitlam SAR members are expected to be available for searches, rescues and other emergencies 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. They also take part in committees, fund raising, equipment maintenance, and the day to day running of a team of volunteers.

No prior SAR experience is needed but hiking experience, navigation, Basic First-Aid, CPR and any other backcountry skills will be an asset. Applicants must be Canadian citizens or Permanent Residents who live and or work in the Tri Cities and own a reliable vehicle with class 5 license.

Coquitlam SAR members dedicate an average of 300 hours a year to the team, not including active search and rescue activities and committee work. The 300 hours is almost exclusively training and preparedness.

Applicants must be available to attend training every Tuesday evening (2 hours average) and one to two weekend days a month (6-8 hours average) and are expected to participate in the Task Ready Team (1hr prior to training). Members in Training (MITs) must attend 100% of the Ground Search and Rescue (GSAR) course (105-120hr. total). This consists of classroom, practical and evaluations. Minimum of 50% attendance at tasks callouts.

In addition to regular training, there are various SAR courses offered by the Justice Institute of BC, and other providers, some financed by Emergency Management BC, and others paid for by the team’s own fundraising. These are usually 24 hours (three or four consecutive days). Members are also expected to maintain their first aid certifications.

Members are also expected to take part in community education events, team management through committee work, and team fundraising.

The most important thing when considering whether or not to volunteer is to evaluate the time commitment.

For more information check out ;

https://www.coquitlam-sar.bc.ca

For those unable to volunteer ;

The CSAR team secures funding for training, gear acquisition, upgrades, replacement, and maintenance through grants and donations. Rescue equipment is generally expensive and subject to severe wear and tear. They welcome contributions from the community, both individuals and corporations.

You can support Coquitlam Search and Rescue by making a donation online or you can mail a cheque or money order to:

Coquitlam Search and Rescue Society

Town Centre Fire Hall

1300 Pinetree Way Coquitlam,

BC V3B 7S4

Receipts will be issued for amounts over $25.