The Arrowsmith Search and Rescue is one of many SAR operations to receive funding from the B.C. government.
Provincial funding for 2022 has now been disbursed to 79 ground SAR teams across British Columbia. The BC Search and Rescue Association indicated on June 15 this is the first year they’ve received sustainable provincial funding. It is a unique agreement in Canada and a first for B.C.
Funding in the amount of $5,961,000 was received from the province and, of that, $4,918,750 was issued to GSAR groups directly. ASAR, which has a new operations facility at the Qualicum Beach Airport, received $58,000 that will be used to cover operational costs.
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Provincial funding covers approximately 50 per cent of the cost for search and rescue activities and, as such, GSAR teams must also fundraise to cover the other 50 per cent through their local communities and regional districts and through public donations.
Members of the Arrowsmith Search and Rescue have been conducting training and this month their focus was on personal preparedness and survival skills. This will help them prepare for the warmer weather. They reviewed a number of subjects that include plant and animal safety, awareness, treatment and care of someone with heat exhaustion or heat stroke, how to prevent heat exhaustion or heat stroke, critical thinking in times of pressure, interviewing skills when on a search and 24-hour packs and team members being rescue ready.
If you wish to donate to the ASAR, you can go online at http://www.arrowsmithsar.ca .
— NEWS Staff