(CFJC Today/File photo).

By Aaron Schulze

Search and Rescue Rise

Kamloops Search and Rescue has busiest year in 2020, could see similar numbers in 2021

Apr 6, 2021 | 4:24 PM

KAMLOOPS — According to the Public Safety Ministry and Emergency Management B.C., the province had a record number of calls to ground search and rescue groups.

Kamloops Search and Rescue (KSAR) also experienced a record year for tasks, call outs, searches and rescues. With an increase in calls as more residents partook in outdoor recreational activities amidst the coronavirus pandemic.

KSAR Secretary Cat Lapointe said they saw a small increase from 44 calls in 2019 to 50 in 2020, but the increase wasn’t overwhelming.

“We did see more rescues, people being out and hurting themselves, whereas in 2019 it was a bigger mix between searches and people missing versus medical rescues,” Lapointe said. “Some more day hikers or recreators getting hurt and needing medical assistance out of the back country.”

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So far, KSAR hasn’t had a task-heavy 2021, but there have been more serious call outs – avalanches and snowmobile incidents – that required partnership with other search and rescue agencies.

While Lapointe said it’s hard to predict if calls in 2021 will be similar to 2020, she believes the odds of more people being outdoors for socially distant activities would have KSR expecting more calls. Especially during summer.

“We’re limited in terms of travel… I think we’re going to see more people getting outside in general,” she said. “More of like what we saw in 2020: medical rescues from people day-recreating. The recreational pursuits we have here in Kamloops are so varied that it’s very unpredictable. Even if it’s just a short-day hike, sometimes that short day hike can turn into an overnight pretty quickly. It’s always best to be prepared.”

Lapointe referred to tips online provided by Adventure Plan and encouraged outdoor users to have essentials such as food, water, clothes, lighting, and a First Aid kit.