Search and Rescue teams from across the Kootenays will be meeting in Elko this weekend for SAREX 2013, a weekend of training designed to improve their ability to respond to emergencies.

The event will start on the evening of Friday, June 14 and end in the afternoon on Sunday, June 16.

The southeast regional SAREX (Search And Rescue EXercise) is held annually somewhere in the East or West Kootenay, and is typically attended by upwards of 50 Search and Rescue (SAR) volunteers from teams across the region.

The event has proven to be a valuable part of SAR training, giving the volunteers an opportunity to train and network with members of other groups, build experience working as part of a large search and rescue operation, and learn techniques and skills used in other areas.

This year’s event will feature a number of components: the main event on Saturday will consist of several scenarios involving searching by ground and air, tracking, rope rescue and water rescue.

On Sunday the volunteers will participate in ‘SAR Games’ where members of different SAR teams will be mixed together to compete in a series of challenges, which will afford them many opportunities to learn from one another and have some fun in the process.

Members of the public are welcome to come out and watch the scenarios and events. For details people are welcome to visit our camp at the community centre in Elko, or during the event on Saturday our command post will be located at the Elko Airport.

Lead image: SAREX 2012, held in Rossland. Image from Rossland & District Search and Rescue

Ed Ehrler,

Sparwood Search & Rescue

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