Volunteering

Coquitlam SAR members are available for searches, rescues and other emergencies 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. From reading this web site you can find out information on what’s expected as a SAR member, the community events that we participate in, and on going training we undergo. We also take part in committees, fund raising, equipment maintenance, and the day to day running of a team of volunteers. All of these things take time.

Who are we looking for?

Active Members

Accomplished and active outdoor enthusiast who enjoys working with people and maintaining a reasonable fitness level. No prior SAR experience is needed but hiking experience, navigation, Basic First-Aid, CPR and any other backcountry skills will be an asset. You will own essential equipment for safe hiking, backcountry travel, and know its proper use. Able and willing to purchase required equipment to function as a SAR volunteer.  Excited to complete extra training as required to develop skills. Canadian citizen or Permanent Resident who lives and or works in the Tri Cities. Owns a reliable vehicle with class 5 license.

If you’ve ever been lost and required rescue, we won’t hold that against you.

Time commitment

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. Details on what kinds of skills we train for are on the training page, but a summary is presented here.

You will be available to attend training every Tuesday evening (2 hours average) and one to two weekend days a month (6-8 hours average). 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.

If you will be unable to meet the minimum attendance requirements, please do not apply.

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). You are also expected to maintain your 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.

Recruitment

Our recruitment process happens approximately once every two years, and the process is as follows:

1. The team issues a recruiting notice on the web site and social media.
2. Prospective members complete a free online course EMRG 1703, Introduction to Search and Rescue and submit an online application.
3. Applications are reviewed and the best-qualified candidates are invited to an evaluation hike.
   
   This hike will take place in terrain that is typical for searches in this area, and it is rated a moderate hike.
   
   We will be looking at your level of fitness, outdoors knowledge, attitude, proper gear, etc.
4. Applicants attend an interview of about 30 minutes with our recruitment committee.
   
   We will let you know the time and place for interviews, by email, following the hike.
5. Selection of new members is made as quickly as possible after the interviews, and all those interviewed are informed of the results.
   
   If you are not selected we will let you know why. 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.

Any applications that we receive between recruitments are kept on file, and we will contact you when the next round occurs.

Training

Training requirements are as follows:

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

Questions?

If you have any questions use the contact form below