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Kootenay Heli-Rescue's carefully selected members have a wealth of rescue experience and diverse skill sets, producing a well-rounded and effective team. Specialized equipment and training is provided by Emergco Technical Solutions of North Vancouver, an industry leader in helicopter longline rescue systems.
Flight services are provided by Dam Helicopters out of Castlegar and Arrow Helicopters out of Revelstoke. The pilots are well trained and experienced in mountain rescue, and the BO 105 LS twin engine helicopter, with additional air speed and lift capabilities, is well suited to the task.
The Kootenay Heli-Rescue team was established to assist Search And Rescue (SAR) groups with rescue and extrication, and responds to an incident upon request of the SAR management. A team consisting of a crew chief, two rescuers, a landing zone manager and a rescue pilot will respond, reconnoiter the area to see whether it's safe to conduct a sling rescue, rig the aircraft, insert rescue personnel and then remove the subject, who is then handed over to BC Ambulance or flown direct to appropriate medical care facilities.
During the rescue flight, one of the team members assumes the role of "essential crew member," whose task it is to release the belly band upon the instruction of the pilot who would then release the hook system from the aircraft in an emergency situation.
Kootenay Heli-Rescue sling rescue volunteers are required to re-certify a minimum of every six months in order to meet the society's guidelines. Certification involves full rescue scenarios conducted in mountainous and challenging terrain within the Nelson area. Training exercises are conducted so that the public can observe when possible.
Dunc Wassick
(KHRS pilot)
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Rescue Pilot / Base Manager, Dam Helicopters, Nelson
Over 12,000 hours of mountain flying experience
Class D certification for external human cargo
Certified Parks Canada Mountain Rescue Pilot
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Matthew Callaghan
(KHRS pilot)
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Rescue Pilot / Base Manager, Arrow Helicopters, Revelstoke
Over 8,000 hours of mountain flying experience
Class D certification for external human cargo
Certified Parks Canada Mountain Rescue Pilot
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Joe Vingo
(KHRS president)
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Co-ordinator, Nelson Search and Rescue
Advanced recreational backcountry skiier
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Al Craft
(KHRS director)
(KHRS crew chief)
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Chief, Beasley Fire Department
Crew Chief / Instructor / Director, Beasley Rescue Society
Member, Nelson Search and Rescue
Swiftwater Rescue Technician
Rope Rescue Technician
Emergency Medical Assistant - First Responder level 3
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Dorian Craft
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Captain, Beasley Fire Department / FF Castlegar F.D.
Team Leader / Instructor / Director, Beasley Rescue Society
Team Captain, Fortis BC (power generation) Industrial Rescue Team
Member, Nelson Search and Rescue
Ground Search Team Leader
Swiftwater Rescue Technician
Rope Rescue Technician / Instructor
Occupational First Aid level 3
Emergency Medical Assistant - First Responder level 3
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Sharon Pol
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Member, Beasley Rescue Society
Rope Rescue Technician
Emergency Medical Assistant - First Responder level 3
Paramedic level 1 (BC Ambulance paramedic)
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Don Pedersen
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Emergency Medical Assistant level 2 (BC Ambulance paramedic)
Firefighter, Nelson Fire Department
Swiftwater Rescue Technician
Rope Rescue Technician
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Paddy Flanagan
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Member, Kaslo Search and Rescue
Lineman, FortisBC
Mountain Rescue Technician level 2
Rope Rescue Technician / Team Leader / Instructor
Canadian Avalanche Association level 1
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Bruce Walker
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Search Manager, Kaslo Search and Rescue
Mountain Rescue Technician level 2
Organized Avalanche Rescue Team Leader
Advanced Rope Rescue Instructor
Industrial Rope Rescue / Access Consultant
President, Kootenay Industrial Rescue Service Ltd
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Bruce Gardave
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Initial Response Team Leader, Nelson Search and Rescue
Ground Search Team Leader / Instructor
Mountain Rescue Technician level 2
Swiftwater Rescue Technician
Rope Rescue Technician / Team Leader
Canadian Avalanche Association level 1
Outdoor Emergency Care first aid ticket
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Mike Inniss
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Physician
Wilderness Trauma Specialist
Initial Response Team member, Nelson Search and Rescue
Canadian Avalanche Association level 1
Organized Avalanche Response Team Leader
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Jim Reaburn
(KHRS director)
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Sergeant, RCMP Nelson Detachment (retired)
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Murray Springman
(KHRS director)
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Director, Nelson Search and Rescue
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