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AIR SAR

SAREX 2004
SAR Techs from across Canada descended on Comox, B.C. this past September to compete for 11 different awards at SAREX 2004.

From Sept. 21-25, each team of SAR Techs worked together to demonstrate their skills in these five events: search, rescue, parachuting accuracy, medical and maintenance.

"I was impressed with the ease in which units from all over the country grouped together to form teams and compete," said Captain Kevin Toone, a 442 Sqn Cormorant pilot and the deputy exercise co-ordinator.

"I think that is one of the main reasons why an annual SAREX is so important as part of our operational training plan. With a mandate to respond to distress anywhere in the country, we must maintain our ability to operate as a team," Capt. Toone added.

The focus of the exercise is to develop rescue co-operation, test alerting and notification systems, and cross-train in rescue procedures and techniques in the event of a large-scale search and rescue operation. The annual exercise is also used to exchange information and experiences gained, answer issues and update the SAR community on changes and updates that have occurred since the last SAREX. In addition, it provides a platform for gathering SAR-related research and data in live exercise scenarios.

For the medical event, each team of three was assessed on its ability to efficiently and effectively triage, evaluate and treat three survivors at a mock-up aircraft crash site and then evacuate the most appropriate casualty - all in 45 minutes.

In the end, 103 Sqn from Gander, Newfoundland and Labrador, was victorious and won the Diamond Trophy, which is awarded to the unit with the best overall performance in all five events.

Cormorant Trophy awarded to 442 Squadron from 19 Wing Comox
Operating under dangerous conditions, the Cormorant crew from 442 Sqn, Comox, was able to save two people who had survived an aircraft crash.

While returning from a SAR deployment in Calgary in September 2003, 442 Sqn was tasked to investigate a reported Emergency Locator Transmitter near the Litton, B.C. area.

A 442 Sqn Buffalo had also been tasked and had deployed two SAR Techs to the site by parachute, but they were unable to extract the survivors from the site, which was crucial to their survival.

Located in a very tight mountain river valley, the crash site was on the edge of a clearing on a high-angle slope. One survivor was trapped in the aircraft, so even though the area was accessible, any maneuvering of the helicopter near the aircraft could have caused it to slide down the mountain.

Back row: Sgt. Knubley, MCpl. Usphall and MCpl. Benoit. Front row: MGen. Bouchard (Commander 1 CAD), Capt. Toone and Mr. Tracy (Team Cormorant).

Further, the team was unable to use flares to illuminate the area because of the risk of starting a forest fire.

"It was a particularly difficult rescue given the mountainous terrain, weather and darkness," said Capt. Kevin Toone.

After maneuvering the helicopter, the team was able to reach and stabilize the casualties. After an hour or so, the four SAR Techs, an Emergency Health Services Technician and the two patients were extracted.

The Cormorant Trophy for Helicopter Rescue recognized the "Canadian civilian, government or military crew that has performed the most demanding helicopter rescue of the year." The Trophy is presented by Agusta-Westland/European Helicopter Industries, manufacturers of the Cormorant.

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