Tonight members participated in swift water rescue training. This training was led by the teams Kayak rescue members. Highly skilled kayak rescue members entered the water and took runs to allow members an opportunity to practice the skill in a live setting. Through a combo of lecture and hands on practice, the session achieved the following objectives:
Review Swift Water Handsigns
Use of Safety Equipment
Basic River Terminology
Use of a Throw Bag
Down Stream Containment
River Search
It is worth noting that NSR recognizes the high risk of swift water rescue utilizing a rescue swimmer. As such the team has chosen to adopt a combined air and kayak method. This is far safer, and can remove much of the risk for the rescuers. However, the need to maintain skills is still key in cases of downstream containment and for personnel safety in river shore searches.
On the afternoon of May 7, 2012 the BC Ambulance Service and West Vancouver Fire Rescue (WVFR) responded to a call for a mountain biker on Cypress Mountain. Upon arriving on scene, the individual was found to have tragically succumbed to injuries sustained in the accident.
The less glamorous side of SAR is that we are often tasked to remove the remains of the deceased in wilderness settings. In this case, the Coroners Service and West Vancouver Police Department tasked NSR to assist in transporting investigative personnel to the scene of this tragic accident, and in working in collaboration with WVFR in recovering the deceased individual.
To do this NSR utilized our new 4×4 Jeep Rubicon response vehicle, as well as SAR personnel and other equipment to assist in the accident investigation and recovery. Our deepest sympathies go out to the friends and family of this individual.
On Saturday May 6, 2012, NSR members attended an orientation session with the CH-149 Cormorant SAR helicopter. This aircraft is operated by the Canadian Air Force and is attached to 442 Search and Rescue Squadron out of Comox, BC. While their mandate is for maritime and aeronautical rescue, they can be tasked through the Joint Rescue Coordination Center for Ground Search and Rescue (GSAR). Thus it is important for NSR members to be familiar with their capabilities, their operating parameters and the limitations of their use. The orientation session was held in Stanley Park at HMCS Discovery where there is a helicopter pad.
This orientation session gave members the opportunity to interact with the crew which included the two pilots, the flight engineer, and the two “SAR Techs.” In addition to sharing information, it was an excellent opportunity to test out interoperability. During this session, radio tests were carried out to ensure that we can communicate in the event we call for their assistance.
Background Information:
SAR Tech – military personnel who receive a large amount of training in all aspects of SAR work. They are trained as primary care paramedics, as rescue divers, and for mountain rescue.
3 years ago this week NSR received tragic news that one of our members, Johannes Mullegger, had fallen into a crevasse and died on a recreational ski trip. I want to recognize the contributions Hannes made to NSR in his time on the team and take a moment to remember him.
In recognition of Hannes we named our Blazer – North Shore 5 after him, however, since that Blazer has recently been sold, our new North Shore 5, a Jeep Rubicon, will now bear Hannes’ nickname – “The Mule-legger”, so named for his physical strength and his character.
Hannes was a model search and rescue member, dedicated, fit and always willing to do the tough job. It was a pleasure working with him.
On Saturday May 6, 2012, NSR members attended an orientation session with the CH-149 Cormorant SAR helicopter. This aircraft is operated by the Canadian Air Force and is attached to 442 Search and Rescue Squadron out of Comox, BC. While their mandate is for maritime and aeronautical rescue, they can be tasked through the Joint Rescue Coordination Center for Ground Search and Rescue (GSAR). Thus it is important for NSR members to be familiar with their capabilities, their operating parameters and the limitations of their use. The orientation session was held in Stanley Park at 
