Alberni Valley Rescue Squad volunteers had a busy weekend to ring in December.
The volunteer ground search and rescue team received a call about an overdue hunter who had not returned home at a pre-determined time.
"The hunter was well prepared," said an AVRS spokesperson. "He left a trip plan, stayed with his vehicle when it had broke down and was quickly located by rescuers in the early hours of the morning.
"This is a great reminder of the importance of planning ahead and staying put when things go wrong in the backcountry."
Members of the AVRS were also getting some unique training in addition to the search. Every year members practice hover exit training: they team up with Ascent Helicopters to learn how to properly disembark a helicopter when it isn't touching the ground. Trained volunteers are often airlifted into a search area for expediency.
On Friday, Nov. 29, some of the squad members attended the Alberni Valley Chamber of Commerce Business Excellence awards, where AVRS president Lori Martell was nominated a Woman of Influence. The 16-year veteran did not win, however she was applauded for her achievements.
Martell has volunteered on many of the specialty teams, was the group's first female search manager and has served the past two years as president, according to the AVRS. Forty percent of the volunteer team is female.
"It is an honour to have just been nominated amongst other amazing women," Martell said. "I continue to strive to see my female partners in our team move into leadership roles and encourage other strong women to join search and rescue."
For more information about Alberni Valley Rescue Squad, find them on Facebook, Instagram and at www.avrs.ca.
