A magical force has taken control of the Coquitlam Search and Rescue social media feeds for the holidays!
It appears that Prusik, An “Elf on the Shelf” has been posting every night, but instead of watching little girls and boys to make sure they are good, this elf has been posting about backcountry safety!
Try as we might, we haven’t been able to figure out how the elf is doing this – perhaps this elf lives in the home of one of our volunteers who let’s their computer logged in each night?
Prusik has been working through the 10 Essentials, and we’re very curious about what he or she is going to post next – will the posts continue posting Christmas? What is the elf going to write about next? Follow along with us and we’ll see!
Prusik the SARElf
Introducing our newest team member “Prusik,” the Coquitlam SAR elf who will be joining the team for the holiday season. #SARelf
Hug-a-Tree
All elves should know what to do if they find themselves lost in the woods. Does your little elf know how to hug-a-tree? #SARelf
10 Essentials
Whenever an elf goes on an outdoor adventure, they always carry the 10 essentials. 10 important items to help you survive. #SARelf
Essential #1 – Light
Every elf knows it gets dark early in December. When the sun goes down on your adventure a flashlight can mean the difference between following the trail or getting lost. Carry a flashlight + spare batteries every time you go outside, even on a “day hike.” It’s one of the #10essentials. #SARelf
Every elf knows it gets dark early in December. When the sun goes down on your adventure a flashlight can mean the difference between following the trail or getting lost. Carry a flashlight + spare batteries every time you go outside, even on a “day hike.” It’s one of the #10essentials. #SARelf
Essential #2 – Emergency Shelter
If an elf gets stranded or injured, they know an emergency shelter can be critical. An foil blanket or heavy duty garbage bag can help keep an elf insulated and dry. #SARelf #10essentials
If an elf gets stranded or injured, they know an emergency shelter can be critical. An foil blanket or heavy duty garbage bag can help keep an elf insulated and dry. #SARelf #10essentials
Essential #3 Navigation Equipment
Prusik loves his GPS and even uses his smartphone map around town, but an elf always carries a map & compass as a battery free backup. Learning how to read a map is an important skill that has kept many an elf from getting lost. #SARelf #10essentials
Prusik loves his GPS and even uses his smartphone map around town, but an elf always carries a map & compass as a battery free backup. Learning how to read a map is an important skill that has kept many an elf from getting lost. #SARelf #10essentials
Essential #4 – Fire Starter
Nothing can warm an elf up faster than a fire. Elves always carry fire starter every time they go into the woods. Fire provides heat and comfort, plus it can help rescuers find them if they are lost. #SARelf #10essentials
Nothing can warm an elf up faster than a fire. Elves always carry fire starter every time they go into the woods. Fire provides heat and comfort, plus it can help rescuers find them if they are lost. #SARelf #10essentials
Essential #5 – Food and Water
Elves can subsist on hot chocolate and candy canes. But you should carry extra food and water. #SARelf #10essentials
Elves can subsist on hot chocolate and candy canes. But you should carry extra food and water. #SARelf #10essentials
Essential #6 – First Aid
As part of their mandatory polar survival training, elves regularly re-certify in first aid. By carrying a first aid kit and knowing how to use it, an elf is well prepared if an injury does occur.
#SARelf #10essentials
As part of their mandatory polar survival training, elves regularly re-certify in first aid. By carrying a first aid kit and knowing how to use it, an elf is well prepared if an injury does occur.
#SARelf #10essentials
Essential 7 – Signal Device
Elves always carry signal devices appropriate for their recreational activity. Elf lungs aren’t very loud, so a whistle can attract attention of rescuers from a much further distance in the forest. #SARelf #10essentials
Elves always carry signal devices appropriate for their recreational activity. Elf lungs aren’t very loud, so a whistle can attract attention of rescuers from a much further distance in the forest. #SARelf #10essentials
Essential #8 – Extra Clothing
Even when it’s warm, an elf always carries a jacket. If the weather turns, if they become injured or find themselves benighted and elf is always happy to find an extra jacket, toque and mitts in their pack. #SARelf #10essentials
Even when it’s warm, an elf always carries a jacket. If the weather turns, if they become injured or find themselves benighted and elf is always happy to find an extra jacket, toque and mitts in their pack. #SARelf #10essentials
Essential #9 – Knife
Once an elf is old enough to use one safely, an elf always carries a knife. It has 1 million +1 uses! #SARelf #10essentials
Once an elf is old enough to use one safely, an elf always carries a knife. It has 1 million +1 uses! #SARelf #10essentials
Essential #10 – Sun Protection
Elves never underestimate the effect of the sun in the mountains. They carry a hat, sunscreen and sunglasses every trip. Especially when they are on the snow or on the water! #SARelf #10essentials
Elves never underestimate the effect of the sun in the mountains. They carry a hat, sunscreen and sunglasses every trip. Especially when they are on the snow or on the water! #SARelf #10essentials
Communication Device (not a traditional “10 Essential” item, but pretty handy in an emergency)
Even though they are always prepared by carrying the #10essentials, elves know the ability to call for help can save a life in the wilderness. Carry a cellphone, radio, or satellite communicator. Know your device limitations and conserve your batteries. Most importantly, if you need help call early! #SARelf
Even though they are always prepared by carrying the #10essentials, elves know the ability to call for help can save a life in the wilderness. Carry a cellphone, radio, or satellite communicator. Know your device limitations and conserve your batteries. Most importantly, if you need help call early! #SARelf
Trip Planning
When going on an adventure, always leave a detailed trip plan with a trusted friend. #SARelf
Water Safety
Even though Prusik is a strong swimmer, he always wears a PFD when playing on the water. #SARelf
Winter Travel
Elves are experts at winter mountain travel. Before you head out this winter, make sure you possess avalanche travel skills, check the avalanche forecast & carry avalanche companion rescue equipment. #SARelf
Stay on the trail
Elves always stick to the main trail and never take shortcuts. By staying on the trail, you are less likely to get lost, are easier to find and gentler on the environment. #SARelf
Support your SAR Teams
Did you know there are 80 all volunteer SAR teams across BC? (not to mention our volunteer partners at RCM-SAR for tidal marine and CASARA for civil air searches) If you are looking for more info, are interested in joining a SAR team, or are feeling charitable, check out your local team at #BCSARA #SARelf
Hike with a Friend
Elves like to hike with a buddy. It’s always nice to have a friend if you run into trouble. If you get lost, stay together. #SARelf
Know the risks
Prusik loves adventure, but also knows that several elves were hurt in the backcountry this year. Whatever your activity, evaluate the risks and make smart decisions. #SARelf
Go and get outside
All year round, get outside and get active! Have fun and stay safe, but if you get into trouble don’t hesitate to call for help. #SARelf
Look who was surfing our website last night. Prusik is interested in joining the team. Seems to have some good outdoor skills, but has limited availability. Should we take Prusik on? Do you want to see #SARelf again next year?
Merry Christmas from Coquitlam SAR
It’s Prusik’s last day. We are hoping #SARelf returns next season. Happy holidays and have a safe new year from Coquitlam SAR.
[…] anyone who has been following our SARElf campaign can tell you, there are a number things you can do to make your backcountry trip safer […]