Recruiting

Recruiting

Introduction

The Central Fraser Valley Search and Rescue Society is comprised of dedicated individuals intent on providing unparalleled community service when called upon by local or provincial agencies. The diversity of the personnel is only matched by the various tasks in which the team participates and can range from search, rescue, fundraising and community events. Perspective members must possess a broad range of skills, the least of which is to work effectively with others, very often in stressful situations.

Consequently, only those recruits meeting the high standards of the Central Fraser Valley Search and Rescue team will be selected.

Application Procedure

Our Recruiting drive for our 2011 class is now finished. Please check back here in Fall 2012 for information on our next recruiting drive.
Applications will be accepted throughout the year with major recruiting when vacancies arise. Candidates are asked to submit with their application a resume providing a brief outline of themselves and their related abilities.
Prospective members will be asked to attend an orientation day involving various skills that may be needed in the field.
If successful the applicant will be called with a start date for the Ground Search and Rescue Course (GSAR).

Applicant Requirements And Skills

Prospective Members In Training (M.I.T.'s) must possess level 1 Occupational First Aid by the completion of the GSAR Course. While higher certification is desirable, this is the minimum acceptable level for the Provincial Emergency Program. Secondly, recruits must possess knowledge of basic outdoor skills and have the ability to travel safely anywhere the team may operate; therefore a valid drivers licence and a reliable vehicle is essential.

All applicants must be medically and physically fit and be comfortable in an outdoor environment under adverse weather conditions. Prospective members must possess personal equipment suitable for team operations, which would include a good pair of hiking boots and breathable rain gear etc. Knowledge and experience in local areas would be an asset.

Most of all, prospective members must have a strong desire to serve their community, take direction from experienced members, possess a willingness to learn and be able to make the team's minimum three (3) year commitment.

Prospective applicants must be 19 years of age and be able to successfully pass a police security check. Our service area include Abbotsford and the City and Township of Langley, therfore we will only accept applications from residents of these municipalities. The usual process includes a resume pre-screening, interview and a skill orientations day.

The Role Of Central Fraser Valley Search And Rescue

The role of the Central Fraser Valley Search and Rescue Society is not limited to, however can include the following:

Assisting the R.C.M.P., Municipal Police Agency, Municipal Fire Departments and the British Columbia Ambulance Service in the search and rescue of injured and missing persons.

Assisting Municipal Fire Departments in the rescue and extrication of trapped or injured persons.

Assisting R.C.M.P., Municipal Police Agencies and the Provincial Coroners Service in body recovery and retrieval.

Assisting Municipal, Provincial and Federal Agencies with communications, search, rescue and any other aid, during civil emergencies or natural disasters.

Providing mutual aid assistance to neighboring Search and Rescue Teams.

Providing leadership in outdoor education with emphasis on safety, first aid and other facets of wilderness survival.

Although the Central Fraser Valley Search and Rescue Society is comprised of volunteers, the life saving service provided by the team requires that standards be maintained as unpaid professionals when assisting municipal, provincial and federal agencies.

Training

New recruits are given the title Members In Training (MIT's) and are on a probationary period for 12 months. There are regular evaluations done throughout the year.

MIT's are required to complete the Ground Search and Rescue Course (GSAR) which is taught "in house" by certified instructors. The GSAR course is approximately 4 months long and covers the following:

Outlining SAR in BC

Initiating a search

Search Progression

Search Termination

Maps

Compass

Survival Skills (Overnighter needed to pass course)

Communications

Ropes

Tracking

Helicopter Safety

Avalanche Orientation

Evacuation

Initial Response

Search Types (Sweep, Grid, Shoreline)

Upon successful completion of the GSAR Course and have fulfilled other need requirements the MIT's are trained in the skills necessary to go out into the field. At the completion of 12 month probationary period the MIT will be evaluated for acceptance as a regular member.