THUNDER BAY – There were three “lost” people in the Thunder Bay area as Lakehead Search and Rescue had its summer search and rescue scenarios – SAREX – to practise and hone their searching skills. Lead by Dan Currie and Tim Wheeler, Search Managers, and designed by Don Lalonde, Bob Grieve and Denise Wallace, this exercise provided a great learning experience with the assistance of actors.
Leading up to this exercise, new members had been receiving extensive instruction. There were three scenarios. On the banks of the McIntyre River, Project Lifesaver equipment was deployed using transmitters and receivers to triangulate, as seen in the photograph, with experienced team members Oliver Luther and Merv Anderson and new member Roberta Milner. The second scenario was located at the Boulevard Lake/Centennial Park area where a 65 year old Alzheimer victim had been lost, then found. The third scenario involved an older gentleman being lost but found in the Central Avenue area.
Currie states that, “After practising weekly in the classroom and outside every Thursday evening, new and experienced members become quite proficient.” Radio communication, compass and GPS familiarization, map usage, observation, and note taking skills are all part of basic knowledge gained leading to this proficiency. The successful completion of the ICS 300 Introduction to Incident Command System, as well as yearly certification, is mandatory to become an active member.
On Saturday, Search and Rescue members were alerted of the “lost” people. Members met at a designated spot and proceeded to the scenes with their Mobile Command Centre.
While at the locations, search managers Dan Currie, Denise Wallace and Tim Wheeler took over. Members received a description of the lost souls and broke into teams to begin their logistically planned search. The lost were found “safe and sound” by the end of the day.
Lakehead Search and Rescue is a volunteer organization that has been in existence for over 50 years with approximately 40 certified members who are dedicated to the citizens of Northwestern Ontario.
Lakehead Search and Rescue also provides advanced education and training as a credit subject to students from the Aviation Flight Management Program at Confederation College of Applied Arts and Technology.
Funds are currently being raised to go toward the purchase of a new Mobile Command Centre for Lakehead Search and Rescue. For further information about Lakehead Search and Rescue, go to their web site at www.lsru.com.
Also, for further information, please call Denise Wallace, Search Manager/Trainer, at 807-630-4645 (C).
Photos and Article by – Larry Price
