what we do
Comox Valley Search & Rescue provides ground search and rescue services across varied and complex terrain. Our responses include wilderness searches, technical rope rescue, avalanche response, swiftwater and flood response, and medical support in remote environments.
Training and readiness are ongoing to ensure our team can operate safely in demanding conditions.
Core Response Areas
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![Four hikers with backpacks walking on a trail in a forested mountain area, overlooking a valley with forests, lakes, and distant mountains.]()
Ground search & Rescue
Our team conducts ground searches for missing or overdue persons across forested areas, trail systems, and remote wilderness. We use coordinated search techniques to locate people and bring them to safety.
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![Night scene of a cliff rescue operation with rescue workers in helmets and headlamps near a moss-covered rocky cliff, surrounded by tall trees.]()
Rope & Technical rescue
Our team responds to incidents involving steep, complex, or difficult terrain. Using specialized rope systems and technical skills, we safely access, stabilize, and assist people in challenging locations.
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![Rescue team members in helmets and gear attending to an injured person on the ground by a river in a wooded area.]()
AMT
Our members are trained to provide medical care in remote and challenging environments. This training allows us to assess, stabilize, and support patients until they can be transferred to higher levels of care.
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![Two rescue team members in orange gear and helmets on snow-covered mountain, setting up rescue equipment with mountain and cloudy sky in background.]()
Avalanche Response
Our team is trained to respond to avalanche incidents in alpine and backcountry terrain. Using specialized equipment and rescue techniques, we work quickly to locate and assist buried or injured individuals.
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![Rescue team in red gear and helmets assisting with a fallen tree blocking a river, using an inflatable raft to stabilize and navigate the rescue operation.]()
Swiftwater & Flood Response
Our team responds to incidents involving rivers, creeks, and flood conditions, particularly during periods of high runoff. Using specialized training and equipment, we operate safely in moving water to locate and assist people in distress.
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![A helicopter flying in the sky with a person rappelling down from it during the daytime.]()
CDFL Rescue
Our team responds to incidents along shorelines, coastal areas, and inland waterways. This capability supports searches and rescues in environments where land and water meet, often in challenging conditions.
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![A woman in a red jacket and black pants running through a forest with a black dog nearby, surrounded by green plants and trees.]()
K-9 Search
Our trained search dogs and handlers assist in locating missing persons over large and difficult areas. K-9 teams enhance search efficiency by detecting human scent that may not be visible or accessible to ground searchers.
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![Helicopter landing on rocky terrain with three rescue workers in red jackets and helmets sitting nearby, surrounded by a forest and mountainous landscape under a cloudy sky.]()
Aircraft Support
Our team works with aircraft partners to support searches over large or remote areas. Aerial support helps improve coverage, locate subjects more quickly, and guide ground teams during operations.
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Tracking
Tracking is a specialized search skill that focuses on identifying and following signs left by a person moving through an area. Trained team members interpret subtle clues such as footprints, disturbed vegetation, and changes in ground surface to determine direction of travel and narrow search areas.
where we operate
Our coverage area extends from Oyster River in the north to Cook Creek in the south, and from Buttle Lake in the west to the Georgia Strait in the east, including Denman and Hornby Islands. This region includes coastal environments, rivers, dense forest, alpine terrain, and mountainous backcountry. We work closely with neighbouring search and rescue teams and provincial partners to provide mutual aid when incidents extend beyond local boundaries.
Terrain
Our team responds across a wide range of terrain and environments, which shape the nature of our operations and training.
Coastal and marine environments, including the Strait of Georgia and surrounding islands
Forested lowlands and river valleys, including dense coastal rainforest, wetlands, and agricultural areas
Rivers, creeks, and lakes, including fast-moving water during seasonal runoff
Mountain and alpine terrain, including steep slopes, cliffs, glaciers, and avalanche-prone areas
Remote wilderness and backcountry, often with limited or no road access
Rural and semi-urban areas, including trail systems, parks, and community green spaces
Planning ahead saves lives
Planning ahead is one of the most effective ways to reduce risk in the outdoors.
AdventureSmart.ca provides trusted, Canadian-based resources to help people prepare for trips, leave a trip plan, and make informed decisions before heading out. Proper planning improves safety, supports timely response if help is needed, and helps reduce preventable search and rescue incidents.
