01/28/2026
On January 1 two volunteers responded to help a skier with a lower leg fracture near .
The group was well prepared with a satellite messaging device to call for help, basic first aid supplies and had a nice landing area dug out and stomped in before we arrived.
Do you know what happens after you press the SOS button on your satellite messaging device? Chatting with this group we learned that it was 2 hours from the time they activated their device until our volunteers arrived on site. After you press the SOS button on your device, a call centre somewhere in the US receives the notification. They then look at your location and try to determine which jurisdiction of which authority you are in, they often get this right, but not always. After the jurisdiction is determined, the proper authority is called. That authority (usually Police, Ambulance or Parks Canada) then tries to confirm your location and if you are actually in their area of responsibility, if they will be able to access you or if they need help. If it is determined that they will need the help of the local search and rescue group, they call the Emergency Coordination Centre and ask for the local SAR group. The ECC then figures out which SAR team is closest, calls the SAR manager for that team and gives them the details about the call for help. The SAR manager then puts the callout to their team members who are volunteers going about their daily routines. If someone is available, they gather their equipment and drive to the SAR base of operations to get ready to go. If a helicopter is needed to access the people who have called for help, the local helicopter company is called to see if they are available to transport the team.
All in all, this was a fairly efficient response time. When you are out recreating, what is your emergency plan? How much daylight do you leave yourself at the end of a day out in case things go sideways? Are you and your group prepared to spend the night out if necessary?
