Written By Jan Sims
MIDDLESEX COUNTY - They’re the heroes when people go missing or need assistance, and now they’re asking people to help with their mission.
Ilderton resident Janelle Coultes is president of the Search and Rescue Volunteer Association of Canada. She’s put out a call through local social media for donations to a silent auction being held in conjunction with the SARScene conference being held in Ottawa October 1st through the 5th. “The silent auction will be benefitting our SAR volunteers here in Ontario, including my own London Search and Rescue team. Items such as anything artisanal, outdoor items or gear, even gift cards for stores or restaurants, anything would be appreciated! Our team is 100% volunteer, everything we have we have to fundraise for, so our members are often purchasing gear, buying uniforms and paying for training all out of pocket. The more support that our volunteers have, the more they can focus on training and being ready to help at a moment’s notice when receiving a callout,” says Coultes.
The Search and Rescue Volunteer Association represents 10,000 volunteers from 300 teams in each province and territory. Together with groups such as the Red Cross, St. John Ambulance and the Salvation Army they comprise what’s known as the national Humanitarian Workforce, which responds by sending volunteers to assist with emergencies such as wildfires and floods.
Coultes started volunteering with the London group in 2007. Her team responds to municipalities within a 100-kilometer radius of London, including Middlesex County. In that time, she’s had memorable experiences. “One lady living with dementia went missing overnight one winter, and we found her at 5am the next morning. She was in pajamas and thin slippers, with fractures and bruises and wounds all over her arms and legs,” says Coultes. “We talked for about 20 minutes, and I believe the conversation helped to keep her alert until she was on the gurney and being transferred to the ambulance. Once she was on her way her blood pressure started dropping, thankfully she got to the hospital in time to save her life,” adds Coultes.
People interested in helping out, or would like more information about London Search and Rescue can visit their website at lsar.ca or email president@sarvac.ca.
