Badlands Search and Rescue want recruits

Justin Seward
Times Reporter

 

The Badlands Search and Rescue are currently looking for people who want to become involved on a squad that is very active and places emphasis on teamwork to save lives.
“The qualification to get into our team is that you have to be 18 years old or older, a resident of Alberta and you have to have a clean criminal record Police Vulnerable Sector Check,” said Scott Campbell, president of the Badland Search and Rescue.
“So whether you are a 19, 20-year-old hunter that’s out in the bush all the time or a senior citizen, it doesn’t matter we believe there is a role for everybody.”
If someone is interested in being a part of the team, they will be required to take a multi-step training process to be qualified.
“When you first come in, you’ll take what is the basic Search and Rescue skills course, which is two and a half, three weekends long. It covers everything from outdoor survival skills, map compass navigation, search techniques of various types, a lot of hands on scenario, ropes and knots and wilderness emergencies, ” said Campbell.
Additionally, an applicant will have to take a standard first aid CPR minimum, as well as Instinct Command System 100, which is available online.
“Once you’re in and come to meetings in training, then we start to send you out on courses with other agencies,” said Campbell.
“If you do join up, our expectation is that you attend a minimum of six training sessions a year and be available for calls when you can.”
The feedback has been very positive and the people who do come find it challenging in a positive way.
“We’re developing some real good team building here. I’ve got a great core group of people here so it’s been a very positive experience for everybody that has been involved,” said Campbell.
Badlands Search and Rescue is always looking for recruits to join the squad, so if you are interested, you can contact Campbell at 403-324- 3537.