Arrowsmith Search And Rescue

🚁 Thank You, Bowser Legion! 🇨🇦

ASAR would like to extend our sincere thanks to The Royal Canadian Legion Branch 211: Bowser & Area for their incredibly generous donation of $1,500.

This contribution means a great deal to our team. The Bowser Legion has been a longtime supporter of ASAR, and their continued generosity plays a vital role in helping us grow and improve. Donations like this directly support new equipment, advanced training, and enhanced operational capabilities.

We’re especially excited to share that these funds will contribute to expanding our FlyCart drone capabilities, allowing us to better serve our community with faster, safer, and more effective responses.

Thank you, Bowser Branch 211, for standing with us and supporting the work we do. We are truly grateful for your ongoing commitment. 🙏

Rescue on the CPR Trail – Saturday, May 30 🚁

Yesterday afternoon, Arrowsmith Search and Rescue (ASAR), with the assistance of Alberni Valley Rescue Squad (AVRS), responded to a call for an injured hiker on the CPR Trail.

Under the skilled pilotage of Ascent Helicopters (Parksville), two SAR technicians were inserted via hoist while ASAR ground teams made their way in to reach the subject with first aid supplies. The hiker had tripped on a root and sustained significant injuries, making it impossible to walk out.

We’d like to recognize the subject’s companions, who were well prepared with extra clothing and able to provide immediate first aid before calling for help—great work.

Once on scene, ASAR and AVRS members treated the subject before conducting a helicopter extraction using an evacuation harness, often referred to as a “Screamer Suit.” The subject was flown back to Parksville, where BCEHS crews were waiting with an ambulance to transport them to hospital for further care.

This rescue also marked the first operational use of ASAR’s new DJI FlyCart drone, which was used to move medical and rescue equipment in and out of the area. This innovation significantly reduced the time and physical demands on the ground team and was greatly appreciated.

ASAR extends sincere thanks to Ascent Helicopters, BCEHS, and our SAR partners at AVRS for their professionalism, teamwork, and quick response.

Searching for lost or injured subjects takes teamwork, dedication… and plenty of fuel 🍪❤️

A big thank you to the amazing folks from Our Saviour Lutheran Church for stopping by the ASAR hall with trays of cookies as part of their annual First Responder Cookie Day!

Long searches, training nights, and callouts can make for some very hungry SAR volunteers, and these treats definitely helped keep the team going. Needless to say, the trays emptied pretty quickly around the hall 😄

We’re incredibly grateful for the continued support from our community and for those who take the time to recognize local first responders and volunteers. Thank you for keeping our team fueled and appreciated!

CookieDay

🚨Friday night, Arrowsmith Search and Rescue responded to an injured hiker at Little Qualicum Falls.

ASAR members were on scene quickly and able to provide immediate first aid and patient care until BCEHS paramedics arrived. Additional SAR volunteers then assisted with a stretcher carry to the waiting ambulance. The subject was transported to further medical care.

Thanks to the excellent teamwork between BCEHS and ASAR volunteers, the subject was safely extracted and in the care of paramedics in under an hour from the initial callout.

A huge thank you to all responding volunteers and emergency personnel for another successful and rapid rescue. Stay safe out there and always be prepared before heading onto the trails.

SAR

💪🚨 More Than 40 Volunteers. One Mission. 🚨💪

Arrowsmith Search and Rescue is made up of dedicated volunteers trained in mountain 🏔️, swiftwater 🌊, and urban operations 🧭.

From emergency shelter systems and patient care ⛑️ to technical rescue and evacuation training, our team spends countless hours preparing for the moments when people need help most.

Every skill learned.
Every scenario practiced.
Every volunteer committed.

It all helps ensure we’re ready to respond—day or night, in all conditions. 💛

SwiftwaterRescue

🥾🌲 Pre-Hike Prep Matters 🌲🥾

A little preparation before hitting the trail can make a big difference. Whether you’re heading out for a quick walk or a full-day adventure, taking the right gear helps keep you safe, comfortable, and ready for changing conditions. ☀️🌧️

Before you go:
✅ Wear proper footwear
💧 Bring water & snacks
🧥 Pack layers and sun protection
⛑️ Carry a first aid kit & fully charged phone

And don’t forget the most important tip of all:
🧭 Tell someone where you’re going and when you plan to return.

AdventureSmart starts before the hike even begins. 💛

🌞🌲 Long Weekend Plans? Don’t Forget the Essentials. 🌲🌞

We know the long weekend means more people heading outdoors—hiking 🥾, camping ⛺, paddling 🚣, exploring backroads 🚙, and soaking up Vancouver Island.

Before you go, take a few extra minutes to set yourself up for a safe adventure:
🧭 Tell someone where you’re going
🎒 Pack extra food, water, and layers
🔦 Bring a flashlight or headlamp
📱 Don’t rely solely on cell service
🕓 Give yourself more daylight than you think you’ll need

The best adventures are the ones that end safely at home. 🏡💛

Our volunteers are on call 24/7 🚨, but with a little preparation, many emergencies can be prevented.

Have fun, stay safe, and enjoy the long weekend! ☀️

Always ready. Always training. Always there when it matters.

Behind every call is a team that shows up — prepared, focused, and committed to bringing people home safely.

Proud to stand alongside those who dedicate their time, skill, and heart to protecting our community. ❤️

🤝🚁 Teamwork in Training 🚁🤝

Every successful rescue starts long before the call comes in, it starts here.

Training together means building trust, refining skills, and learning how to work as one team in high-pressure situations. From gear checks 🔗 to communication 🧭 and coordination with air support 🚁, every detail matters.

It’s not just about knowing what to do, it’s about knowing how to do it together. 💪

Because when it matters most, teamwork makes all the difference.