Training day

Lost family members ‘rescued’ during mock exercise in South Alton

Thankfully, this was one scenario that was not true to life.

Rona and Diana Deadder had several rescues happening on their woodland on the weekend, but it was all pretend.

The Kings District RCMP partnered with Ground Search and Rescue (GSAR) teams from the region to conduct a training exercise on April 29.

Between 35 and 40 volunteers from Valley, West Hants, Clare and Annapolis GSAR teams took part in a mock search for a 10-year-old autistic boy and his grandfather. In the scenario, they had become lost in the woods while fishing.

“This is an excellent opportunity for us to continue our partnership with local GSAR teams,” said Cpl. Mike Carter of Kings District RCMP. “While we encourage people to enjoy the

outdoors, we want to make sure we maintain the skills and training that we use when someone needs our help.”

Carter said the call supposedly came from the boy’s mother who noted that he had a Project Lifesaver bracelet.

Teams of three to five rescuers went out on foot and aboard Argos, while one volunteer, who did not want to be identified, pretended to be the youth twice in order for greater skills training.

“I enjoyed it,” she said. “I ran between 300 and 400 metres. They did a good job splitting up and finding me.”

Tabitha Hicks, who was one of 10 Clare volunteers on hand, said collaborative training is quite common.

She said the 45 rescuers in the Clare area attempt to get to as many practices regionally as possible.

Valley Search and Rescue had two of their four canine members on hand. Sherlock, the young white German Shepherd, went with his owner Anna Poyser to learn improved focus.

Cathy Diggins, whose shepherd Java is fully trained, said the breed is ideal for endurance, “but it depends where they’re deployed.”