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TIPS & FAQ’S
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FAQS
More info can be
found at the
Who is
responsible for Search and Rescue in BC?
In BC search
and rescue has been divided into three major categories.
Air
Marine
Ground and Inland Waters
Air and Marine searches are
the responsibility of the Armed forces and the Coast Guard, while
ground and inland water searches outside of national parks are the
responsibility of the RCMP. Search and rescue groups such as Lions
Bay are called out by the RCMP to provide personnel and equipment
for these types of searches.
Details on the RCMP policy
for search and rescue are available on the .
How is an search initiated?
Searches
for missing persons are initiated by the police. Once a missing
persons report is received, the police will make a decision whether
or not to call out a search and rescue team. The call to the team
is made to the team Duty Officer who then sends out a page to all
team members. Team members call in to indicate their availability
and then report to search headquarters.
If you are
lost, who pays for your rescue?
In Canada, searches
are conducted by volunteers and costs are covered by the Provincial
Emergency Program.
Are SAR team members paid?
No
member of Lions Bay Search and Rescue is paid, all team members
are volunteers and take time off from work and their personal lives
to respond to searches.
How is the team funded?
Money
for the team is raised through donations by companies or individuals.
The Provincial Emergency Program (PEP) will cover search expenses
and lost equipment, but all equipment must be initially purchased
by the team or individuals. To see our sponsors or make a donation
to the team click .
How
many searches are there in BC each year?
In 2004 there
were 933 searches involving 1,193 lost persons. 1,032 of these people
were rescued alive. A detailed breakdown of incidents can be found
on the .
How many teams are
there in BC?
There are approximately 4700 volunteers
in BC, organized into 93 provincial and 7 IRT (Initial Response
Teams) teams in BC. These teams are called onto support:
- Police
searching for lost persons
- BC Ambulance service for assistance
in transporting injured persons if specialized skills and equipment
are needed.
- Coroners office for the recovery of the deceased
if specialized skills and equipment are needed.
- Department
of National Defense and Canadian Coast Guard in their mandate of
air and marine search and rescue.
- Local governments during
civil emergencies
These groups are coordinated and maintained
by the .
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