Alberni Valley Rescue Squad

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Port Alberni, BC
Alberni Valley Rescue Squad

The Alberni Valley Rescue Squad (AVRS) is a search and rescue team based in Port Alberni, BC.

Our hall number is 250-723-3260.
***For HALL RENTAL please contact us at [email protected]. Please note that we no longer rent for parties involving food or alcohol. The Alberni Valley Rescue Squad (AVRS) is a search and rescue team based in Port Alberni, British Columbia, Canada. The team consists of approximately 40 volunteers skilled and trained in search and rescue operations in a variety of setti

ngs. The AVRS performs approximately 25 search and rescue operations annually. The team provides search and rescue services to:

Emergency Management BC (EMBC)
RCMP and Municipal Police
BC Ambulance Service
Mutual aid to other search and rescue teams
BC Coroners Service
Fire Services
To contact the team for a search and rescue emergency call 9-1-1 and ask for police.

06/16/2026

🚨 Rescue Recap 🚨

On June 14 th, late in the evening. Alberni Valley Rescue Squad was tasked to assist with two distressed hikers and an injured dog on the Judges Route. Upon arrival, crews determined the two individuals, one being a younger minor, were cold, not prepared for an overnight stay and had run out of drinking water. The subjects were obviously not going to leave the area without their dog, adding to the complexity of the rescue.

A team of AVRS members worked extremely hard to carry the approximately 75 lb dog as well as support the subjects, with heat vests, reassurance, snacks and hydration.

This call highlights how quickly a situation can change in remote environments and the importance of being prepared. Always ensure you carry the Essentials, include a dog first aid kit if possible as well as adequate water, and always plan for unexpected delays for all members of the group including the four legged ones if they are going to go hiking with you.

Fortunately it was a positive outcome for everyone involved, including the four-legged member of the group.

A big thank you to all the AVRS members who came out.

-AO

06/05/2026

🚨 Rescue Recap 🚨

On June 4, at first daylight Alberni Valley Rescue Squad was tasked to the West Coast to assist with a medical rescue. A subject had sustained a lower-leg injury and required evacuation from a challenging to access area.

An earlier attempt was made to access the subject however, the fog had rolled in preventing a safe nighttime hoist operation. Parks Canada personnel remained with the subject overnight until weather conditions improved.

At first light, AVRS’s CDFL/Hoist Team responded with Ascent Helicopters to complete the rescue. The subject was safely extracted and transferred to a waiting BC EHS crew for further assessment and care.

A sincere thank you to Parks Canada, Pacific Rim National Park Reserve, Parks Canada, Ascent Helicopters Ltd and BC EHS for their teamwork and collaboration in ensuring a successful outcome.

- AO

05/29/2026

Over the last couple of months, you may have seen posts circulating about the AVRS and RCMSAR 2026 Raffle.

Congratulations to Rob Reinhart, winner of the AVRS and RCMSAR 2026 Raffle!

Rob has won an incredible prize package featuring:
• A signed and framed 2025 Stanley Cup Champion Sam Reinhart (Florida Panthers) jersey
• A signed puck
• A signed photo

On behalf of Alberni Valley Rescue Squad and Royal Canadian Marine Search and Rescue Station 39, thank you to everyone who purchased tickets over the past couple of months and supported this fundraiser.

Your support directly helps our volunteer Search & Rescue teams continue providing emergency response services across land and water in the Alberni Valley — 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

We are incredibly grateful for the support from our community.

Thank you for supporting your local SAR groups!

-AD

05/28/2026

🚨 Rescue Recap 🚨

Earlier this evening Alberni Valley Rescue Squad was tasked by Westcoast Search and Rescue Society for a mutual aid call. AVRS responded to Hot Springs Cove where the subject was experiencing a medical issue.

AVRS responded with three members from the Hoist/CDFL team, who are also part of the Advanced Medical Team.

The subject was assessed, extricated via hoist, and subsequently transferred to awaiting BC EHS crews for further care.

Thank you to Ascent Helicopters Ltd and West Coast SAR for the teamwork and support on this call.

-AO

05/24/2026

🚨 Rescue Recap 🚨

It’s been a busy week for the Alberni Valley Rescue Squad.

Last week, our team responded to a call in the Fossli Park area after a subject sustained a lower limb injury. Crews accessed the subject with our Side by Side provided assistance, and safely transported her out of the area. The subject was transferred to a waiting BC EHS crew.

Last night, the team responded to a stranded motorist on the back roads where other rescue services were unable to access. Our members worked to reach the subject and ensure they got out safely.

With this warmer weather and summer fast approaching remember our SAR team is here and ready day or night, whenever the call comes in!

-AO

05/13/2026

AVRS is aware of the wildfire currently burning below the Lookout area. BC Wildfire Service crews are actively responding to the incident.

At this time, we are asking the public to avoid the area and stay off all nearby trails and forest service roads to allow emergency crews to work safely and efficiently. This includes no hiking, biking, or recreational use in the area until further notice.

Please avoid driving into the area to watch operations. Keeping roads clear is essential for emergency access and wildfire response resources.

For wildfire updates, please follow the BC Wildfire Service and visit BC Wildfire Service or download the BC Wildfire app.

To report a wildfire:
📞 1-800-663-5555
📱 *5555 on a cell phone

Thank you for supporting emergency crews and helping keep the area safe.

-AD

05/07/2026

Wednesday practice - last night AVRS practice some rappelling skills.

04/30/2026

Earlier today, AVRS was tasked to assist an injured hiker on Mt. Arrowsmith who had sustained a lower leg injury while in the backcountry.

Our team responded with a coordinated, multi-resource deployment including ground search teams, a rope rescue team, side-by-side, and helicopter support with CDFL. The patient was located, stabilized, and safely extracted thanks to strong teamwork and communication across all responding resources.

A big thank you to all AVRS members who responded quickly and worked seamlessly together. We’d also like to extend our appreciation to Airspan Helicopters and BCEHS for their support on this call.

Another huge thank you to the local logging companies and truck drivers operating in the area, your clear and consistent communication on the logging roads made a big difference in ensuring safe access for our teams.

A few important reminders for anyone heading into the backcountry:

-Always monitor and use the appropriate logging road radio channel when travelling on active resource roads.

-Pack extra battery power (battery pack/portable charger), especially on longer or overnight trips, so you can call for help if needed.

-Don’t let what you see from town fool you, alpine spring conditions are in full effect. Snow and ice remain at higher elevations. Carry proper equipment such as crampons and an ice axe, and know how to use them.

Stay safe out there and plan ahead.

-AD

04/28/2026

🚨 Rescue Recap:

On Sunday, April 26, Alberni Valley Rescue Squad was tasked to assist a stranded boater on Sproat Lake at the end of Two Rivers Arm. Although the boater had paddles, Sproat Lake is a large body of water with over 300 km of forested shoreline, making self-rescue challenging. Our boat team attended and provided assistance.

A big thank you to everyone involved.

Remember your local Search and Rescue team is available 24/7, 365 days a year. Stay safe out there.

-AO

04/23/2026

Training Night — Went to the Dogs 🐕

This week’s training session featured special guest Carly and her two search and rescue dogs—retired SAR dog Hazel and validated SAR dog Benelli from Nanaimo Search and Rescue. Along with Chris from Comox Valley Search & Rescue and handler for Axl and Delta his fourth validated SAR dog.

Members had the opportunity to learn about some of the science behind how SAR dogs operate. As well as learn about the extensive training and commitment required to develop and maintain these highly skilled teams.

We extend our sincere appreciation to these dedicated handlers and their exceptional dogs for sharing their knowledge and experience!
-AO

Address

4790 Tebo
Port Alberni, BC
V9Y7E6

Website

http://www.avrs.ca/, https://portal4484.wixsite.com/alberni-valley-rescu

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