Arrowsmith Search And Rescue

Home
Canada
Qualicum Beach, BC
Arrowsmith Search And Rescue

Arrowsmith Search & Rescue (ASAR) is a 100% volunteer-run organization that assists the RCMP and Loca Arrowsmith. Jedidiah & Lasqueti Islands are also included.

What we do:
• Assist the RCMP, Fire Department, BC Ambulance Service and local authorities in rescuing lost and injured persons.
• Provide mutual aid support to other SAR teams on the Island and across the Province.
• Povide support to local communities during emergencies, evacuations and other critical response activities.
• Teach outdoor safety programs such as AdventureSmart, a national progr

am encouraging Canadians to “get informed and go outdoors”.
• Participate in Project LifeSaver to quickly locate individuals with Alzheimer's, Autism, Downs Syndrome, or other cognitive disorders or developmental disabilities.

• Take part in local parades, festivals, and other community events. Our Area of Operation:
ASAR’s main area of operation runs the length of the coastline from Nanoose to Cook Creek, as far inland as Mt. Our Call Volume:
In an average year ASAR will attend approximately 35 to 45 calls locally. We will also respond to approximtely 10 calls from other SAR groups throughout BC requesting assistance in their areas of operation. Our Training & Certification:
We are a group of highly-skilled professional volunteers. Training is to standards set by Emergency Management BC (EMBC). This allows SAR volunteers to be covered by Worker’s Compensation Board (WCB) when training and when responding to calls. The Justice Institute of British Columbia (JI) develops most of the training and course materials that meet the standards set for Search and Rescue Volunteers across the province of BC. Our Teams:
Ground Search and Rescue Team
Search Management Team
Rope Rescue Team
Swiftwater Rescue Team
Quad Team
Tracking Team
Support Team

05/27/2026

Searching for lost or injured subjects takes teamwork, dedication… and plenty of fuel 🍪❤️

A big thank you to the amazing folks from Our Saviour Lutheran Church for stopping by the ASAR hall with trays of cookies as part of their annual First Responder Cookie Day!

Long searches, training nights, and callouts can make for some very hungry SAR volunteers, and these treats definitely helped keep the team going. Needless to say, the trays emptied pretty quickly around the hall 😄

We’re incredibly grateful for the continued support from our community and for those who take the time to recognize local first responders and volunteers. Thank you for keeping our team fueled and appreciated!

CookieDay

05/24/2026

🚨Friday night, Arrowsmith Search and Rescue responded to an injured hiker at Little Qualicum Falls.

ASAR members were on scene quickly and able to provide immediate first aid and patient care until BCEHS paramedics arrived. Additional SAR volunteers then assisted with a stretcher carry to the waiting ambulance. The subject was transported to further medical care.

Thanks to the excellent teamwork between BCEHS and ASAR volunteers, the subject was safely extracted and in the care of paramedics in under an hour from the initial callout.

A huge thank you to all responding volunteers and emergency personnel for another successful and rapid rescue. Stay safe out there and always be prepared before heading onto the trails.

SAR

05/21/2026

💪🚨 More Than 40 Volunteers. One Mission. 🚨💪

Arrowsmith Search and Rescue is made up of dedicated volunteers trained in mountain 🏔️, swiftwater 🌊, and urban operations 🧭.

From emergency shelter systems and patient care ⛑️ to technical rescue and evacuation training, our team spends countless hours preparing for the moments when people need help most.

Every skill learned.
Every scenario practiced.
Every volunteer committed.

It all helps ensure we’re ready to respond—day or night, in all conditions. 💛

SwiftwaterRescue

05/16/2026

🥾🌲 Pre-Hike Prep Matters 🌲🥾

A little preparation before hitting the trail can make a big difference. Whether you’re heading out for a quick walk or a full-day adventure, taking the right gear helps keep you safe, comfortable, and ready for changing conditions. ☀️🌧️

Before you go:
✅ Wear proper footwear
💧 Bring water & snacks
🧥 Pack layers and sun protection
⛑️ Carry a first aid kit & fully charged phone

And don’t forget the most important tip of all:
🧭 Tell someone where you’re going and when you plan to return.

AdventureSmart starts before the hike even begins. 💛

05/14/2026

🌞🌲 Long Weekend Plans? Don’t Forget the Essentials. 🌲🌞

We know the long weekend means more people heading outdoors—hiking 🥾, camping ⛺, paddling 🚣, exploring backroads 🚙, and soaking up Vancouver Island.

Before you go, take a few extra minutes to set yourself up for a safe adventure:
🧭 Tell someone where you’re going
🎒 Pack extra food, water, and layers
🔦 Bring a flashlight or headlamp
📱 Don’t rely solely on cell service
🕓 Give yourself more daylight than you think you’ll need

The best adventures are the ones that end safely at home. 🏡💛

Our volunteers are on call 24/7 🚨, but with a little preparation, many emergencies can be prevented.

Have fun, stay safe, and enjoy the long weekend! ☀️

05/07/2026

🌲🚁 Community is at the heart of everything we do. 💛

Arrowsmith Search and Rescue is made up of dedicated volunteers who are committed to helping others when they need it most. From training and emergency response to supporting our neighbours in difficult moments, our mission is rooted in service, teamwork, and community.

Every rescue, every training night, and every callout is made possible because of the incredible support we receive from the people around us. 🤝

Thank you for standing behind your local SAR team and helping us continue to serve Vancouver Island safely and professionally.

Together, we are stronger.
Together, we are Arrowsmith Search and Rescue. 🚨

04/30/2026

Always ready. Always training. Always there when it matters.

Behind every call is a team that shows up — prepared, focused, and committed to bringing people home safely.

Proud to stand alongside those who dedicate their time, skill, and heart to protecting our community. ❤️

04/25/2026

🤝🚁 Teamwork in Training 🚁🤝

Every successful rescue starts long before the call comes in, it starts here.

Training together means building trust, refining skills, and learning how to work as one team in high-pressure situations. From gear checks 🔗 to communication 🧭 and coordination with air support 🚁, every detail matters.

It’s not just about knowing what to do, it’s about knowing how to do it together. 💪

Because when it matters most, teamwork makes all the difference.

04/22/2026

Good news story using drones to aid in search and rescue.

04/20/2026

🚁💪 Training in Action 💪🚁

Helicopter operations are one of the most technical parts of Search and Rescue—and they require precision, communication, and trust.

From coordinating with pilots 🧭 to managing gear and patient care ⛑️, every detail matters when working around aircraft.

Our team trains regularly to stay sharp, safe, and ready for real-world callouts—because when time is critical, preparation makes all the difference. 🚨

Train hard. Work together. Be ready.

04/15/2026

Arrowsmith SAR and Alberni Valley Rescue Squad Complete Annual CDFL Training with AirSpan Helicopters

This past weekend, members of Arrowsmith Search and Rescue and the Alberni Valley Rescue Squad completed their annual Class D Fixed Line (CDFL) training with AirSpan Helicopters.

CDFL (also known as short‑haul or Human External Cargo) operations allow for the safe insertion and extraction of rescuers in terrain where landing an aircraft isn’t possible. Maintaining this capability requires regular, hands‑on training for both PCEs (Persons Carried Externally) — commonly referred to as rescue attendant — and ECPs (Essential Crew Persons).

During the training, PCEs/attendants refreshed critical skills including harness setup, connection and disconnection procedures, managing spin and movement during flight, standardized callouts, hazard awareness, and safe insertions and extractions in complex terrain.

ECPs focused on their aircraft‑based responsibilities, including monitoring the CDFL system, assisting the pilot with situational awareness, and being prepared to conduct an emergency bellyband release if required.

This annual training reinforces clear communication, defined roles, and shared abort authority between the pilot, ECP, and PCE — ensuring that every CDFL operation is conducted as safely and effectively as possible.

A sincere thank you to AirSpan Helicopters for their continued professionalism and support of SAR training, and to the dedicated volunteers from both teams who commit the time and effort to maintain these advanced rescue capabilities.

🚁 ⛑️
ArrowsmithSAR AlberniValleyRescue VolunteerSAR

Address

1050 Ravensbourne Lane
Qualicum Beach, BC
V9K1N1

Website

http://www.arrowsmithsar.ca/donate

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Arrowsmith Search And Rescue posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Shortcuts

Want your organization to be the top-listed Government Service in Qualicum Beach?