1050 Ravensbourne Lane
Qualicum Beach, BC
V9K 1N1
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NEWS & UPDATES
🤝🚁 Teamwork in Training 🚁🤝
Every successful rescue starts long before the call comes in, it starts here.
Training together means building trust, refining skills, and learning how to work as one team in high-pressure situations. From gear checks 🔗 to communication 🧭 and coordination with air support 🚁, every detail matters.
It’s not just about knowing what to do, it’s about knowing how to do it together. 💪
Because when it matters most, teamwork makes all the di#arrowsmithsarr#SearchAndRescuer#teamworku#trainingday#TrainingDay
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5 days ago



🤝🚁 Teamwork in Training 🚁🤝
Every successful rescue starts long before the call comes in, it starts here.
Training together means building trust, refining skills, and learning how to work as one team in high-pressure situations. From gear checks 🔗 to communication 🧭 and coordination with air support 🚁, every detail matters.
It’s not just about knowing what to do, it’s about knowing how to do it together. 💪
Because when it matters most, teamwork makes all the di#arrowsmithsarr#SearchAndRescuer#teamworku#trainingday#TrainingDay ... See MoreSee Less
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Good news story using drones to aid in search and rescue. ... See MoreSee Less
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🚁💪 Training in Action 💪🚁
Helicopter operations are one of the most technical parts of Search and Rescue—and they require precision, communication, and trust.
From coordinating with pilots 🧭 to managing gear and patient care ⛑️, every detail matters when working around aircraft.
Our team trains regularly to stay sharp, safe, and ready for real-world callouts—because when time is critical, preparation makes all the difference. 🚨
Train hard. Work together.#arrowsmithsarr#SearchAndRescuer#helicoptertrainingp#helicopterrescuec#RescueReady#RescueReady ... See MoreSee Less
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Arrowsmith SAR and Alberni Valley Rescue Squad Complete Annual CDFL Training with AirSpan Helicopters
This past weekend, members of Arrowsmith Search and Rescue and the Alberni Valley Rescue Squad completed their annual Class D Fixed Line (CDFL) training with AirSpan Helicopters.
CDFL (also known as short‑haul or Human External Cargo) operations allow for the safe insertion and extraction of rescuers in terrain where landing an aircraft isn’t possible. Maintaining this capability requires regular, hands‑on training for both PCEs (Persons Carried Externally) — commonly referred to as rescue attendant — and ECPs (Essential Crew Persons).
During the training, PCEs/attendants refreshed critical skills including harness setup, connection and disconnection procedures, managing spin and movement during flight, standardized callouts, hazard awareness, and safe insertions and extractions in complex terrain.
ECPs focused on their aircraft‑based responsibilities, including monitoring the CDFL system, assisting the pilot with situational awareness, and being prepared to conduct an emergency bellyband release if required.
This annual training reinforces clear communication, defined roles, and shared abort authority between the pilot, ECP, and PCE — ensuring that every CDFL operation is conducted as safely and effectively as possible.
A sincere thank you to AirSpan Helicopters for their continued professionalism and support of SAR training, and to the dedicated volunteers from both teams who commit the time and effort to maintain these advanced res#SearchAndRescue.#CDFL️#shorthauld#sartraining #ShortHaul #SARTraining Arrowsmith#airspanhelicoptersscue #AirSpanHelicopters VolunteerSAR ... See MoreSee Less
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🚨 Technology in Action – Successful Search Outcome 🚨
Last night, Arrowsmith Search and Rescue responded to a request from Oceanside RCMP to assist with locating three lost hikers in the Wesley Ridge area. The hikers made a smart decision to stay put once they realized they were lost and actively signaled for help.
This call was a strong example of how emerging technology is helping search teams locate subjects faster and more efficiently. With ground teams deploying quickly, ASAR also activated our drone team to gain an aerial perspective over terrain heavily altered by last year’s wildfire. With trails no longer clearly visible, traditional navigation was challenging, but drone technology allowed us to rapidly scan the area and pinpoint the hikers’ location. The drone then hovered overhead to help guide our teams to the required location.
Once located, precise coordinates were relayed to ground teams, significantly reducing search time and allowing teams to move directly to the subjects. The hikers were found safe, uninjured, and escorted out of the area back to their vehicle.
This incident highlights how combining skilled volunteers with modern technology can lead to quicker outcomes and safer resolutions—for both those in need#arrowsmithsarh#SearchAndRescuem#technologyinsard#DroneOperationsg#CommunitySafetyrations #CommunitySafety ... See MoreSee Less
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Amazing!! We saw the helicopter out last night. So glad for a positive outcome!
So glad the drone is helping these wonderful volunteers find lost people more quickly!
🌲🌸 Spring Training Season 🌸🌲
With the change in season comes new conditions and new challenges. Spring means swollen rivers 🌊, muddy terrain, shifting weather 🌦️, and longer days in the field.
That’s why our team ramps up training, refreshing core skills, practicing real-world scenarios, and preparing for the busy months ahead. 🧭
From patient care ⛑️ to navigation and technical rescue, every session helps ensure we’re ready to respond, safely and effectively.
Because when the calls increase, preparation matters more th#arrowsmithsarr#SearchAndRescuer#springtrainingr#RescueReady##volunteerdrivenunteerDriven ... See MoreSee Less
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🐣🌸 Happy Easter from Arrowsmith Search and Rescue 🌸🐣
Wishing our community a safe and happy Easter weekend filled with time outdoors, family, and fresh spring air. 🌲☀️
As you head out to enjoy the long weekend—whether it’s hiking, exploring, or spending time with loved ones—remember to plan ahead, pack the essentials, and stay @bcadvsmart . 🧭
Our volunteers are always ready 🚨, but we hope you won’t need us.
Stay safe an#arrowsmithsare#happyeasterr#SearchAndRescuey#AdventureSmartn#longweekendentureSmart #longweekend ... See MoreSee Less
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Happy Easter! Thank you for all you do! 🙏
Happy Easter! Thanks for the service you provide to our community.
🚨 Behind the scenes of a response 🚨
Three sets of eyes. One shared mission.
Whether it’s navigating rough terrain, coordinating next steps, or staying ready for what’s ahead — teamwork is what keeps our members moving forward safely and effectively.
Every task, big or small, relies on communication, trust, and training. This is what preparedness looks like.
Always ready. Always learning. Always there when it#SearchAndRescue
#TeamworkInAction #AlwaysReadyc#VolunteerStrongy#arrowsmithsarong #ArrowsmithSAR ... See MoreSee Less
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Happy Easter ❣️
🚨 Weekend Training Scenario Recap 🚨
ASAR teams spent the weekend sharpening essential search and rescue skills during a challenging and realistic training exercise.
This scenario focused on a missing hiker who had fallen and suffered a serious eye injury. Teams deployed across the search area to conduct a coordinated sound sweep, spreading out and blowing whistles at planned intervals under Command’s direction. Thanks to excellent communication and solid triangulation of the subject’s calls for help, the hiker was located quickly.
Once contact was made, the first team on scene provided immediate first aid to stabilize the subject while waiting for advanced medical personnel. As we began packaging the subject for transport, we called upon the Drone Team to deliver additional equipment via the cargo drone. Having the ability to rapidly send life‑saving gear directly to the scene proved to be a real game changer—fast, efficient, and incredibly effective.
With the full team in place and the extra equipment on hand, the subject was safely packaged and protected for transport, just as we would during a real mission.
👏 Fantastic work to everyone involved! Training like this keeps us coordinated, capable, and ready for what#SearchAndRescue
#asarr#trainingday##teamworki#innovationinsark #InnovationInSAR ... See MoreSee Less
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🌸🌲 Spring Is Here 🌲🌸
Longer days, warmer weather, and more time outside—it’s a beautiful season to explore the outdoors. ☀️
But spring conditions can be unpredictable. Snow melt, fast-moving water 🌊, muddy trails, and changing weather all bring new challenges.
Before you head out:
🧭 Plan your route and tell someone your plan
🎒 Pack the essentials
🥾 Be prepared for wet and slippery terrain
🌦️ Check conditions before you go
Our team is ready 24/7 🚨, but the best rescue is the one we don’t need to make.
Enjoy the season, explore safely, and take in everything spring#arrowsmithsar #SearchAndRescueR#springisheres#AdventureSmartr#backcountrysafety#BackcountrySafety ... See MoreSee Less
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Interagency Collaboration in Action!
This week, Arrowsmith SAR’s drone team met with the drone team from the Civilian Air Search and Rescue Association (CASARA) based out of the Nanaimo airport. It was a great opportunity to compare our programs, check out each other’s equipment, and exchange ideas to help strengthen interoperability between our teams.
Afterward, we headed into the field for joint demonstrations and hands‑on training. CASARA also brought their Artemis system, based in Pitt Meadows, which can locate lost individuals’ cell phones in remote areas with little or no service. This technology has the potential to significantly reduce search times and enhance overall mission effectiveness.
A big thank‑you to our partners at CASARA for the collaboration and knowledge‑sharing. Looking forward to more training together #SearchAndRescue
#arrowsmithsarc#CASARAo#Interoperability #trainingdayi#DroneSARi#CommunitySafetyR#vancouverislandy #VancouverIsland ... See MoreSee Less
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Check this out Wilson McLeod
Nice work gang
Recognition
We would to congratulate Jeff Burdison on completing the Ground Search and Rescue Team Leader course this past weekend.
In addition we would also like to congratulate Teresa Wood on completing the Advanced Wilderness First Aid course at the end of February.
At the end of February there were also members who were certified in the Advanced Protocol First Aid training, congratulations on to Jennifer Hoard, Denise Collins, Craig Piccolo, Pamela Garrow, Kandace Knutson, Jeff Burdison, Nick Rivers, Teresa Wood, Ken Peters, Doug Scatcherd, Sue Payne and Paul Nash.
This past weekend there were 12 members who completed the Track Aware course. Congratulations to Brian Kidwell, Glen Asaph, Gord Pederson, Jason Ridout, Jennifer Hoard, Kris Baker, Lee Darling, Oliver Russel, Susie Lesieur, Teresa Wood, and Todd Russell. ... See MoreSee Less
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Congratulations
Congratulations to all the achievers! 🙌 Our Daughter also ,Suzie Lesieur, thank you for all that youse do!!!!!