We will discuss the HETS (Human External Transport System) and its role in supporting search and rescue efforts within GADSAR and throughout the Province.

Switching from Summer to Winter gear. Come on out and get familiar with the Plethora of gear that we have and were it should live in its given season.

On Wednesday October 2, GADSAR was called out to assist the RCMP with a search for 2 missing males at the Go Organic Ranch in Parson. The missing subjects had not been seen since 1900 hrs and were poorly dressed for the cold evening. 5 members and a search dog responded via ground. GADSAR located the missing subjects after their attempt to paddle a canoe from Parson to Golden failed.

On September 30th, GADSAR was tasked by the RCMP to respond to a group of overdue boaters on Kinbasket Lake. The group had been fishing in the Bush Harbour area and had mechanical trouble causing them to have to spend the night on the boat. GADSAR responded at first light via helicopter and located the group but were unable to land near the boat due to high water and dense bush. GADSAR utilized a tug boat in the area to access the site and transport the subjects back to land. This marks the first tug boat response in GADSARS lengthy history.

On September 9th, GADSAR was called out to assist BCAS with the location and over-the-embankment rescue of a stranded motorist. 5 members responded via ground from Golden. Access to the subject involved ropes and extensive chainsawing down a steep bank approx 100 ft. Egress involved a dual rope system to get the subject up to the road where he was handed off to BCAS.

On Sept 6 GADSAR responded to the Bush River area for a Spot Beacon activation. 3 members responded via helicopter to the area. A single forestry worker was found unharmed.

GADSAR reponded via helicopter to the Bush River to assist a group of rafters in distress. One male was seriously injured and transferred to BCAS for further care.

On Sept 6 GADSAR responded to Kinbasket Lk to search for an overdue boating party from the previous evening. 3 members responded via helicopter and 1 member via ground/boat to the Bush Harbour area. 3 adults, a 3 yr old and 3 month old were all located safe and sound near the Sullivan Arm by the heli-team.

On September 2, GADSAR responded to a request to assist a hand glider that had crashed in the Mt. 7 area near Golden. A helicopter rescue team was able to locate the subject who had minor injuries. The team transported the subject by air and transferred him to BCAS.

On August 13, GADSAR assisted the Invermere RCMP in responding to a SPOT personal locator beacon emergency activation. 3 GADSAR members responded via helicopter from Golden and located the two climbers South Howser Spire. The injured climber was packaged was transported back to Golden.