Coquitlam SAR members have been active with training programs for both Members-In-Training (MITs) and senior active members.
- Ground SAR (GSAR) course: 17 new MIT’s were brought on to the team in late 2009. These volunteers are approximately half way through the 10 month GSAR training course delivered by senior team members on behalf of the Justice Institute of BC. Topics include Search Techniques, SAR theory, navigation, hypothermia care, stretcher evacuations, avalanche/winter travel safety and communications.
- Wilderness First Aid for SAR Operations: 14 senior SAR volunteers are progressing through a 40 hour Wilderness First Aid for SAR Operations course. This is a course developed in partnership between Coquitlam SAR and Slipstream wilderness first aid. Delivered over several weeknights and full weekend days the course is an intensive once that focuses on the role of SAR in treating, packaging and evacuating injured subjects and delivering them to definitive care.
- Swiftwater Rescue Technician: working with Rescue Canada , Coquitlam SAR is doing 2 days of swiftwater rescue training this month in the Chilliwack River.
In addition to the above training, team members have been attending the regular Tuesday evening training events covering everything from equipment operation, communication, rope rescue and advanced first aid techniques, and attending searches as required. As spring progresses, the team is getting ready for the busy summer backcountry recreation season.