Parkland Search and Rescue searches for searchers

Parkland Search and Rescue is on the hunt for new members. The group recently held an information meeting to talk to new recruits, discuss what they do and how they help in the community.

Shauna Jewhurst and Dale Hintz were two of the members of the group  at the event. Their goal is to find anyone interested in the group and get them aware of the responsibilities and rewards of volunteering with Parkland Search and Rescue.

One of the focuses for new recruits is training, explains Jewhurst. That starts with first aid, so that if someone does find a missing person who does need help, they can provide it. There is also basic searcher training, so people know what to look for, where they should be going, and how to effectively search for a missing person. There is also training for team leaders, search managers and other bonus training for people who want it. In the presentation to recruits, they note that people who aren’t trained can be a hindrance on an actual search, because they need training to know what to look for and how to handle evidence.

“We train hard so that we get to the point where we know we are doing everything we can in that type of situation... We have a lot of great people who are very enthusiastic, always involved in that training and have no problem whatsoever keeping these skills up not only when we meet as a search and rescue team, but even outside of it, keeping themselves physically and mentally fit.”

“You never want to use these skills in real life, because when you’re going out searching there’s a failure, there’s a system that has broken down. If it’s for a senior, if it’s for a child, it’s not good. If we can get trained, we can react in a proper manner, we can get there and shorten up that time, and get a happy end result,” added Hintz.

The group would also prefer if they didn’t have to search for people, and Hintz goes to schools to talk to kids and do preventative search and rescue. The program gives kids some outdoor skills, as well as advice on what they should do if they are lost, which can be as simple as finding a tree, pulling out a rescue blanket, and staying put.

“That’s how you change a culture, you start with the kids.”

On the same theme, the group is a regular presence at events like the Yorkton Exhibition Summer Fair or the Yorkton Co-op Pumpkin Walk. They are there as support, Hintz says, and to give parents and kids some peace of mind by giving them a place to go if they lose each other.

“When you’ve got five or six hundred kids running around, and we all know they don’t always listen to mom and dad. We’re there for support.”

People who want to get involved can talk to any member of Parkland Search and Rescue, they are often in the community and are easy to spot in bright orange clothing.  People can also visit http://sarvac.ca/. Jewhurst noted their goal is to always have a search and rescue team in the region, long after they retire.

The importance of volunteering with the group is something that Hintz and Jewhurst believe is rewarding, and they have proof. Both have sons who have followed them into Parkland Search and Rescue.

“I think they see, growing up, the commitment and just how important it is in our lives,” said Jewhurst.