By Spencer Sterritt

Urban calls and Instagram the cause for Nanaimo Search and Rescue’s busy year

Dec 18, 2017 | 2:29 PM

NANAIMO — It was a whirlwind year for Nanaimo Search and Rescue.

Up to Dec. 18, they were called 45 times, nearly doubling the total number of calls in 2016. The rescue season also didn’t wind down as it normally does after October with one call already in December.

SAR president Carly Trobridge told NanaimoNewsNOW the volunteer organization has taken a more important role in urban searches. They completed 17 this year, compared to only one in 2016.

But social media and the quest for a perfect photo was also a big driver of rescue calls.

“Instagram and getting that ideal hiking photo is a huge thing for people nowadays and people want to go out and find that ideal spot, but they’re not necessarily being prepared,” she said. “We’re seeing a lot of tasks for people who expect to be away from their car for an hour or two, meanwhile it turns into a day or two ordeal.”

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Getting called out to the wilderness 45 times put a lot of stress on the team, Trobridge said, since they all have families and lives outside of search and rescue.

“We’re constantly watching out for signs of stress and volunteer fatigue. It’s a matter of checking in with members more regularly and making sure everyone is still healthy, happy and able to help other people.”

To handle the increasing number of calls, Nanaimo SAR is months away from breaking ground on a new, purpose-built facility on Nanaimo Lakes Rd. Trobridge said it was “monumental” to have an expanded space where they have more equipment and buy more rescue vehicles.

They’ve also expanded their capabilities through more courses, like advanced wilderness first-aid and flat-ice rescues in case Westwood Lake freezes again.

To hopefully bring the number of calls down in 2018, Nanaimo SAR is reminding people to always be prepared for a longer hike, even if you’re just venturing out for a few hours, and to always tell people where you’re going.

spencer@nanimonewsnow.com

On Twitter: @spencer_sterrit