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Central Cariboo Search and Rescue - CCSAR

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Central Cariboo Search and Rescue - CCSAR

The AutoEx team responds regionally to Motor Vehicle Incidents, for subject extraction. What does the Land Search and Rescue team do? Are CCSAR volunteers paid?

Volunteers of the Williams Lake area proudly serving as a function of the Cariboo Regional District, responding in tandem with BCSARA, RCMP, BC Coroners Service, and BCEHS to support our region and communities throughout BC. Volunteers from the Williams Lake, BC area provide assistance to the RCMP, Coroner and BC Ambulance services with:

* assisting motor vehicle accident victims
* searching for missing persons
* locating missing aircraft
* assisting at disaster scenes such as: fires, floods and landslides
* helping agencies who provide emergency support for disaster victims

Volunteers spend a great deal of time training in order to ensure that a search and rescue task is completed successfully. Our members have training in:

auto extrication
embankment rescue
outdoor survival
map & compass
search techniques
search management
team leadership
radio communication
tracking
basic first aid
emergency preparedness
swift & flat water rescue

If you would like to become a member of the Central Cariboo Search & Rescue team you should be:

* 19 years of age or 16 years of age for Junior members
* enthusiastic
* able to work as a team member
* willing to become an active member in one of our specialty areas

We're currently recruiting for all positions, including; Land Search and Rescue, Auto Extrication, Communications and general Hall Maintenance volunteers to join our team. If you're interested in applying to be a member please either; email [email protected], visit https://www.cariboord.ca/en/emergency-and-protective-services/search-and-rescue.aspx to apply online, or pick up the application package at:

For more information or comments send an email to [email protected].
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FAQ's:

What does the Auto Extrication team do? This team utilizes training such as; motor vehicle safety, rope rescue, emergency vehicle driving and tool usage (including the infamous 'Jaws of Life"). The LandSAR team responds to calls for help regionally, and provincially. Our LandSAR team is apart of the BC Search and Rescue Association and utilizes training such as; ground searching, UTV and ATVs, snowmobiles, tracking, rope rescue, flat ice rescue, swift water rescue, helicopters, and more. No, CCSAR members are UNPAID volunteers. In saying that, gear and training are paid for by the organization. If I want to be a volunteer do I have to be a member of both the Auto Extrication AND Land Search and Rescue? No, you do not have to join all teams. We at CCSAR understand that some people may only be interested in doing only Communications, or Hall Maintenance, or Land SAR, or Auto Ex, we are happy with that. What is the time commitment to be a volunteer? We ask our members to be dedicated and give as much time as they can, while still keeping in mind the balance of life and volunteering. This means communicating with the Training Officers when you can attend practices, being on call when available, and being committed to keeping up your skills and certifications. We promise the time you give is well worth it.

09/18/2026

And here is why an effective team brief is so important:

09/15/2026

Theres so much more to Search and Rescue than just technical and physical skills—there’s leadership opportunities that come with specialized training.

This past weekend, CCSAR was happy to host members from surrounding SAR teams for a Public Safety Lifeline Leadership (PSLL) course, delivered through the Justice Institute of British Columbia (JIBC). We had members from Quesnel SAR, West Chilcotin SAR, Prince George SAR, and South Cariboo SAR!

It was a fantastic opportunity to sharpen our leadership skills and learn new ones. Over the course of the training, we dove into the fundamentals of effective leadership, including:

* Core Leadership Skills: Focusing on communication, motivation, and conflict management.
* Decision Making & Problem Solving: Enhancing our ability to assess situations and lead with clarity.
* Team Dynamics: Exploring group development and how to run successful briefings and debriefings.
* Situational Leadership: Learning to adapt our style to the needs of the team and the mission.

We had productive discussions in the group, and everyone had a ton of fun.

We want to send out a huge thank you to everyone who joined us. There’s no better way to prepare for the field than by training, learning, and working alongside our partners in the SAR community. SAR volunteers are committed to working hard and growing together as a team, as well as, working on continued personal development.

Quesnel Search & Rescue South Cariboo Search & Rescue Prince George Search and Rescue

09/07/2026

✨MEET THE MEMBER MONDAY✨
Isabel

▪️Can you tell us who you are outside of Search and Rescue.

Outside of Search and Rescue I work a 9-5 like everyone else! You can usually find me spending quality time with friends otherwise you’ll find me in the back 40 with my dog Koda, exploring a new road, hiking trail, fishing or camping. When we’re not exploring the back forty you can usually find Koda and I cuddled up reading a poetry book or watching a new horror movie.

▪️How long have you been a member, and what certifications do you currently hold?

I have been a member of our Auto Extrication team for just over a year! I am trained in Auto Extrication and I currently hold certifications in first aid and traffic control and I am currently in the middle of doing my tech 1 ropes certification.

▪️What intrigued you to join CCSAR ?

One of our incredible members came into my old workplace and we somehow got to talking, they asked me if I’d ever considered doing auto extrication and I was honest, I said no, I honestly haven’t. They told me I should consider it and drop by for a practice… and the rest is history, it was the best decision I’ve ever made and I haven’t looked back since!

Fun Question 👇🏼

Without the fear of failure what’s one thing you’d love to try?
Oh geez I think Id have to go with solo travelling across the world!

08/27/2026

A few CCSAR members Spent the day on the lake refining our boat rescue operations. We covered a wide range of drills, including parbuckling, in-water contact rescues, and advanced vessel handling—from navigating hazards to precise beaching and backing. We also conducted a thorough pre-operational check of our PPE to ensure all gear is mission-ready. To wrap up the day, we took some time to enjoy the water and float around with our rescue dummy, Ruth Lee. She’s a true champ and makes for the perfect floating partner!🙂

We train hard and often so that when the real call comes in, we’re ready.

08/14/2026

This week’s practice at CCSAR, our dedicated members honed their skills in knot tying and anchor building—two essential components of wildland rope rescue!

We focused on Knot Tying, practicing vital knots like the Figure-8 on a Bight, figure-8 follow through, Bowline, Munter, and Clove Hitch. These knots are not only reliable but also crucial for ensuring safety during rescues.
Building anchors we Learned to create strong and equalized anchor systems. We emphasized the importance of redundancy and proper load distribution, using techniques like the Wrap-3-Pull-2 for webbing anchors.

These skills are fundamental in the wildland rescue environment, where safety and efficiency are paramount.
It was an awesome night of learning and teamwork! We train hard so when we are tasked out we are prepared for it 💪

08/06/2026

This week, CCSAR members dedicated our training to sharpening our CPR skills, focusing on chest compressions and rescue breathing. We discussed the vital importance of practicing within our training scope and becoming familiar with the medical supplies in our bags. In high-pressure situations, knowing where to find items that are needed is crucial.

We train hard so we’re ready when we are tasked out.

08/03/2026

✨Meet the Member ✨
Teresa

▪️Can you tell us who you are outside of Search and Rescue.

Outside of search and rescue I am an exercise therapist and chef. I spend my time outside exploring with my dog which includes lots of camping anytime of the year. If I am not outside you’ll find me in the kitchen.

▪️How long have you been a member, and what certifications do you currently hold?

I have been a member for almost a year! I have my GSAR certificate as well as AST 1.

▪️What intrigued you to join CCSAR ?

I was intrigued to join CCSAR because I wanted to meet and join a community of like-minded people while also being outdoors 🙂

Fun Question 👇🏼

If you had to pick a theme song to play every time you entered a room, what would it be?

2 u by WHIPPED CREAM 💃

https://youtu.be/t4kJ7c9sq68?si=_OrVQLWJ3haf6QIq

08/01/2026

CCSAR members assisted South Cariboo Search & Rescue and other agencies with the evacuations of Green Lake area today. Our members have returned home safely.

Also, We would like to report that there was only ONE resident that refused to leave today 😳🐻 He was quite happy taking over someone else’s yard, hopefully just temporarily🤣😅

07/30/2026

✨A friendly message from Central Cariboo Search and Rescue. ✨
As we approach another long weekend this summer, the CCsar team would like to remind you that we are on call 24/7, no matter the weather. Whether it’s raining, hot, smoky, or clear, we are ready.

Before you head out on your adventures, please take a moment to visit the link below for BC AdventureSmart. Creating a trip plan is essential, and it's important to stick to it. If your plans change, make sure to inform someone.

With only a few long weekends left this summer, here are some important reminders to ensure a safe experience:

Know Your Limits! Understand your physical capabilities and don’t push beyond what you can handle.

Keep some sort of communication! There are plenty of ways to stay connected while out of service. Just a few examples are; satellite texting, zoleo, spot, in reach etc, plan a check in time and stick to it.

Take Breaks! Allow yourself time to rest and recharge during your adventures.

Stay Hydrated! Bring plenty of water to keep yourself hydrated throughout the day.

Use Sunscreen, wear a hat!!
Protect your skin from UV rays, even if the skies are cloudy.

Heat exhaustion, Heat stroke and dehydration are extremely dangerous, be aware of the signs. Seek help immediately if you suspect you or someone you are with are experiencing the symptoms.

Let’s prioritize safety while enjoying the beauty of the outdoors. Have a great long weekend, and remember—we’re always here if you need assistance.

Plan your adventure with BC AdventureSmart here

https://www.adventuresmart.ca/

📸Pictures for attention📸

04/23/2026

CCSAR’s practice this week we focused on sharpening our searching skills, team building and first aid, it was a successful training night! Before leaving the hall we loaded or mapping and navigation app and prepared to track our progress in the field.

After establishing who’s in each leadership position and identified our first aid attendant, we split into two teams.

Together, we provided first aid and secured Ruth Lee, our training subject mannequin, to the stretcher and packed her out of the woods, showcasing our teamwork and dedication in action.

It was an incredible experience that reinforced our skills and collaboration! We train hard, so when the call comes in we are ready to respond for our community.

To learn more about SAR you can;
🚨Take a look at our page info for our FAQ'S
🚨send us a DM 🗳
🚨email [email protected] 📧
🚨visit https://www.cariboord.ca/en/emergency-and-protective-services/search-and-rescue.aspx to apply online

Address

180-D North Third Avenue
Williams Lake, BC
V2G2A4

Website

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