DIDSBURY - Didsbury Search and Rescue (DSAR) is one of those invaluable organizations that don't often get credit.
Volunteers give up their own free time to search in the backcountry for missing individuals so they can be returned to their families.
Victor Garcia, DSAR president, said the organization currently has 20 active members but is looking for more.
"We're tasked by the RCMP when people get lost out in the woods or in the urban areas," said Garcia. "We will help the RCMP locate the person and return them back to their loved ones. We also do education called Adventure Smart: Hug a Tree.
"We teach kids and adults to make a trip plan, to tell someone where you're going and if you get lost what to do." Garcia said that people are told to find a tree and "hunker" down and use their 24-hour kit, which should have items such as blanket, whistle and granola bars.
"We teach kids that if we're yelling for them, not to be afraid," he said. "We're not mad at you. We're just looking for you. So if you hear us say, ëhere I am. Here I am.'"
Garcia said the organization goes out to schools as well as scouts and cubs groups.
"It's really beneficial to learn what to do when you get lost, such as not to panic," he said.
Garcia said the group can go anywhere in the province.
"We assist member organizations like Olds Search and Rescue, Sundre Search and Rescue, Cochrane and Calgary and so on," he said. "We support each other. If we need additional manpower or resources we quickly share it."
Garcia said they generally respond to six-12 calls per year.
"It can last anywhere from an hour and a half to several days looking for individuals," he said.
Garcia said anyone who wants to join DSAR must be able to walk unassisted out in the woods. "You don't necessarily have to be a backwoods person - we'll teach you all of that," he said. "You need to clear a criminal record check from the RCMP and a vulnerable sector check. We do potentially look for kids. You also need a 40-hour training course."
Garcia said there are plenty of other free training courses available for members such as tracking, wilderness first aid, cave rescue and more.
To inquire email [email protected] or [email protected] or call Garcia at 403-919-5533.
