President Alan Brown welcomed 57 club members to the first meeting of the year and hoped everyone had a great summer. He reminded us that all future General Meetings will be on the first Thursday of the month. The next one being October 6.
He welcomed new club members: Marianne Nies, Cindy Blackmore, Coleen Zimmer, David Miller, Karen Hodgson, Christine and Rod Smith.
President Brown also noted that the Wine and Appies Group is looking for a new coordinator and that if you are interested to email Jim Belair, Debbie Haynes, Jeanne Hall or himself.
Vicki Matthews is hosting a new Games Night Group. It will consist of informal board and/or parlour games at her house where she is able to host 25-30 people. September 23 will be combined with the Wine and Appies group. Future Games Night dates will be October 21, and November 13. Vicki is looking for someone to carry on for the months of January-March while she is away. If interested contact: vmatthew@ shaw.ca
Michele Morton, our Special Events Coordinator, is stepping down effective December 31, 2022. Anyone interested contact John McGinn.
Vice-President Lorne Meyer introduced our guest speaker, Paul Berry. Paul is a 25 year member of Comox VAlley Search and Rescue (CVSAR). He is a recently retired Director of Instruction with the Comox Valley School District, and now devotes his time to Emergency preparedness and response and SAR in the province and across Canada. He is currently only one of a handful of Level 2 Senior Search managers for the province and is currently the lead instructor for Search Command with the Justice Institute of BC. In addition, he teaches Incident Command, Emergency Operations Centre Operations, and Lost Person Behaviour courses across the province. He is also involved in 3 large National level SAR projects for Public Safety Canada and the SAR Volunteers of Canada.
SEARCH AND RESCUE: HOW TO AVOID NEVER NEEDING TO CALL
Paul Berry said it was a pleasure to be with us. There are distinct, different types of rescue in Canada:
Air-the Department of National Defence from the US to the North Pole mostly looking for downed aircraft but also supports the Coast Guard.
Marine-Canadian Coast Guard patrol the Great Lakes and the Atlantic, Pacific, and Arctic oceans.
Ground and Inland Water-Police led coast to coast and primarily searching for missing persons, the investigation is formal and follows strict protocols.
WHO ARE WE?
The Comox Valley Search and Rescue (CVSAR): 48 unpaid professionals from many backgrounds putting in over 20,000 person hours to train weekly, sometimes more, in first aid, navigation, search tactics and tracking. We are a team and a family often putting in 12 hours a day for 8-9 days until an operation is suspended. We are a Public Safety Communication Lifeline and an Emergency Services Organization that is committed to saving lives 24/7 365 days a year. We are the only backcountry first responders. We bring resolution and support to families in their darkest moments.
SERVICES PROVIDED (Specialty Teams)
SAR Management
Wilderness, Rural, and Urban SAR
Electronic tracking of Alzheimer and Dementia subjects
Support to local authorities
WHAT DO WE DO?
We only respond when called out by the BC Emergency Management Centre in Saanich, BC through the RCMP, Coroner Services, BC Ambulance Services, Coast Guard, Department of National Defence or an Independent Investigations Office.
SEARCH OPERATIONS
Lost Person’s Behaviour teaching across North America.
Terrain analysis and investigation tools.
There are other smaller, Technical Rescue Teams:
Swift Water Rescue.
High Angle Rope Rescue to lower rescuers down crevices.
Avalanche Response Team-cannot send out teams if we are at risk.
Helicopter Hoist Rescue-one of two teams on Vancouver Island involving high mountain rescue.
An annual certification is required on entering a helicopter when flying.
K-9 search-currently 2 teams.
Man Tracking-Sign cutting is an essential tool as it shows signs of passage.
Medical Evacuation and First Aid which is a minimum 8 hour course but 40-80 hours for advanced wilderness first aid.
The Support Team Program keeps tools readily accessible and running (i.e. boats).
The Adventure Smart Programs is our Branch About Prevention. The Hug A Tree program is for kindergarten to Grade One and teaches lost children to stay put. Teenagers and adults are taught how to survive outside as well as snow safety and the winter environment.
3 STEPS TO SAFETY OUTSIDE
1. Plan Your Trip- leave a detailed trip plan with a responsible person. Run or hike with a buddy.
2. Training
3. The Ten Essentials:
1. Communication- cell phone, the Garmin InReach or SPOT which all have tracking features, a help button, and SOS.
2. Whistle-travels long distances and saves your voice.
3. Head Lamp
4. Check the Weather- check previous conditions on the ground and what is forecasted for the local area of your planned trip.
5. More Water than you need.
6. Follow Trail Safety Guidelines-bring some calories, if using headphones use only one.
For a full list check out: cvgsar.com
OUR BIGGEST PROJECT-A ROOF FOR RESCUERS
CVSAR has been in existence for 40 years but has no home. The plan is to fundraise (which detracts from training), seek major sponsors and apply for Provincial funding to raise $1.5M to either build or buy a suitable property.
QUESTIONS?
Bill Boham asked at what wind velocity would Paul call off a hike? Paul responded that it would depend on the hike and the direction. But he suggested with winds of 30-40km/h that a walk around the AirPark would be the best choice.
Someone asked about his experience with InReach or SPOT. Paul responded that one must be patient using these devices as there is a delay and in narrow terrain they can be challenging.
Another questioned Aerial Search Support: Paul stated that first deployed is the RCMP aerial team, followed by civilian SAR then commercial teams are hired and finally the Coast Guard is requested (using their infrared technology).
Drones are used by the RCMP but they are difficult to use in mountain terrain. A small drone is able to fly down into a gulley or crevice or even into water.
CONTACT: PAUL BERRY, PRESIDENT, SEARCH MANAGER II of Comox Valley SAR
250 334-3211
info@cvgsar.com
Donations are tax deductible.
The winners of Milano gift certificates were David Pendlebury and Ian Thompson (What again!) and Benino gift certificates were Marie Morck and Steve Latta.
Photos of President Alan Brown, Vice-President Lorne Meyer, and guest speaker Paul Berry from CVSAR. Thank you Ian Thompson.
He welcomed new club members: Marianne Nies, Cindy Blackmore, Coleen Zimmer, David Miller, Karen Hodgson, Christine and Rod Smith.
President Brown also noted that the Wine and Appies Group is looking for a new coordinator and that if you are interested to email Jim Belair, Debbie Haynes, Jeanne Hall or himself.
Vicki Matthews is hosting a new Games Night Group. It will consist of informal board and/or parlour games at her house where she is able to host 25-30 people. September 23 will be combined with the Wine and Appies group. Future Games Night dates will be October 21, and November 13. Vicki is looking for someone to carry on for the months of January-March while she is away. If interested contact: vmatthew@ shaw.ca
Michele Morton, our Special Events Coordinator, is stepping down effective December 31, 2022. Anyone interested contact John McGinn.
Vice-President Lorne Meyer introduced our guest speaker, Paul Berry. Paul is a 25 year member of Comox VAlley Search and Rescue (CVSAR). He is a recently retired Director of Instruction with the Comox Valley School District, and now devotes his time to Emergency preparedness and response and SAR in the province and across Canada. He is currently only one of a handful of Level 2 Senior Search managers for the province and is currently the lead instructor for Search Command with the Justice Institute of BC. In addition, he teaches Incident Command, Emergency Operations Centre Operations, and Lost Person Behaviour courses across the province. He is also involved in 3 large National level SAR projects for Public Safety Canada and the SAR Volunteers of Canada.
SEARCH AND RESCUE: HOW TO AVOID NEVER NEEDING TO CALL
Paul Berry said it was a pleasure to be with us. There are distinct, different types of rescue in Canada:
Air-the Department of National Defence from the US to the North Pole mostly looking for downed aircraft but also supports the Coast Guard.
Marine-Canadian Coast Guard patrol the Great Lakes and the Atlantic, Pacific, and Arctic oceans.
Ground and Inland Water-Police led coast to coast and primarily searching for missing persons, the investigation is formal and follows strict protocols.
WHO ARE WE?
The Comox Valley Search and Rescue (CVSAR): 48 unpaid professionals from many backgrounds putting in over 20,000 person hours to train weekly, sometimes more, in first aid, navigation, search tactics and tracking. We are a team and a family often putting in 12 hours a day for 8-9 days until an operation is suspended. We are a Public Safety Communication Lifeline and an Emergency Services Organization that is committed to saving lives 24/7 365 days a year. We are the only backcountry first responders. We bring resolution and support to families in their darkest moments.
SERVICES PROVIDED (Specialty Teams)
SAR Management
Wilderness, Rural, and Urban SAR
Electronic tracking of Alzheimer and Dementia subjects
Support to local authorities
WHAT DO WE DO?
We only respond when called out by the BC Emergency Management Centre in Saanich, BC through the RCMP, Coroner Services, BC Ambulance Services, Coast Guard, Department of National Defence or an Independent Investigations Office.
SEARCH OPERATIONS
Lost Person’s Behaviour teaching across North America.
Terrain analysis and investigation tools.
There are other smaller, Technical Rescue Teams:
Swift Water Rescue.
High Angle Rope Rescue to lower rescuers down crevices.
Avalanche Response Team-cannot send out teams if we are at risk.
Helicopter Hoist Rescue-one of two teams on Vancouver Island involving high mountain rescue.
An annual certification is required on entering a helicopter when flying.
K-9 search-currently 2 teams.
Man Tracking-Sign cutting is an essential tool as it shows signs of passage.
Medical Evacuation and First Aid which is a minimum 8 hour course but 40-80 hours for advanced wilderness first aid.
The Support Team Program keeps tools readily accessible and running (i.e. boats).
The Adventure Smart Programs is our Branch About Prevention. The Hug A Tree program is for kindergarten to Grade One and teaches lost children to stay put. Teenagers and adults are taught how to survive outside as well as snow safety and the winter environment.
3 STEPS TO SAFETY OUTSIDE
1. Plan Your Trip- leave a detailed trip plan with a responsible person. Run or hike with a buddy.
2. Training
3. The Ten Essentials:
1. Communication- cell phone, the Garmin InReach or SPOT which all have tracking features, a help button, and SOS.
2. Whistle-travels long distances and saves your voice.
3. Head Lamp
4. Check the Weather- check previous conditions on the ground and what is forecasted for the local area of your planned trip.
5. More Water than you need.
6. Follow Trail Safety Guidelines-bring some calories, if using headphones use only one.
For a full list check out: cvgsar.com
OUR BIGGEST PROJECT-A ROOF FOR RESCUERS
CVSAR has been in existence for 40 years but has no home. The plan is to fundraise (which detracts from training), seek major sponsors and apply for Provincial funding to raise $1.5M to either build or buy a suitable property.
QUESTIONS?
Bill Boham asked at what wind velocity would Paul call off a hike? Paul responded that it would depend on the hike and the direction. But he suggested with winds of 30-40km/h that a walk around the AirPark would be the best choice.
Someone asked about his experience with InReach or SPOT. Paul responded that one must be patient using these devices as there is a delay and in narrow terrain they can be challenging.
Another questioned Aerial Search Support: Paul stated that first deployed is the RCMP aerial team, followed by civilian SAR then commercial teams are hired and finally the Coast Guard is requested (using their infrared technology).
Drones are used by the RCMP but they are difficult to use in mountain terrain. A small drone is able to fly down into a gulley or crevice or even into water.
CONTACT: PAUL BERRY, PRESIDENT, SEARCH MANAGER II of Comox Valley SAR
250 334-3211
info@cvgsar.com
Donations are tax deductible.
The winners of Milano gift certificates were David Pendlebury and Ian Thompson (What again!) and Benino gift certificates were Marie Morck and Steve Latta.
Photos of President Alan Brown, Vice-President Lorne Meyer, and guest speaker Paul Berry from CVSAR. Thank you Ian Thompson.