A new book that explores what it takes to be a member of search and rescue has a local team featured in it.
South Cariboo Search and Rescue Founder and Search Manager James Seeley said he was really surprised when Rescue Me author Cathalynn Labonte-Smith called and wanted to interview him after speaking with members from around BC, Canada, and South of the border.
“She covered a wide range just to bring attention to the complexities, the scope, the geography, the various peoples involved. Every Search and Rescue team goes through some very difficult responses, some that end tragically, and some that end wonderfully so I picked one that had a good ending. I recounted one of the first rope rescues we did as a team in the South Cariboo where we successfully picked a dog off of a cliff near the Hendrix waterfalls,” Seeley said.
Seeley added he thought it was important to share that story in the book to show that sometimes in search and rescue you get really good outcomes and that’s why they do this as volunteers.
He’s just starting to read the book himself and would recommend it to anyone interested in becoming a member.
“It does also mention that it’s not all fun and games, it’s not all glory and glamour. The two o’clock in the morning, dark snowy nights, long days without sleep, things like that, there’s some real insight into what goes on being a Search and Rescue member.”
Seeley reminds the public to be prepared for back forty adventures this winter, know where you’re going, what the snow conditions are like, have a rescue plan, have a communications plan, and go with a good group.
“Be ready to self-rescue and take care of yourselves for a while because no matter what happens if you need a SARS team in Quesnel, Williams Lake, 100 Mile House, you know how long and hard it is to get to people, it could be a couple of hours before help arrives. Be able to take care of yourself and go have fun, don’t fear it, just be ready for it,” Seely said.