Rescue Capabilities

With more and more people accessing the backcountry, the demands placed on rescuers have increased dramatically. Fernie Search and Rescue technicians maintain a number of highly specialised teams in order to deal with the types of rescues our topography dictates. Although the members are volunteers, they must train and certify to professional standards in the various technical rescue disciplines.

All members have training in ground searching, navigation, advanced first-aid and CPR, survival techniques, communications, incident command, rope management, helicopter safety, and avalanche orientation. These GSAR trained members form an essential component of ground and inland water search and rescue in BC.

This team is trained in the use of specialised rescue techniques to effect rope rescues in high-angle terrain.

The Ice Rescue Team make use of specialised equipment and training to perform rescues on frozen bodies of water.

The Swiftwater Team undertakes responses on rivers and any other areas of moving water making use of rescue-specific watercraft and equipment.

The CDFL, or heli-long line team, are a specialist unit trained to effect rescues by means of flying on a static line below a helicopter.

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

Fernie SAR has members who are dog-handlers, able to effect searches in avalanche debris as well as wilderness tracking.