Search and Rescue Field Trip

      
Many of our children are interested in vehicles that are used for rescue. 
This year we’ve visited the fire hall, had an ambulance visit us at school
and then this week we had a tour of the Search and Rescue Headquarters.

 
We got to climb in and check out the many types of vehicles the
rescuers use to do their job.
 
We saw and tried some of the equipment they use, like;
 
 their very heavy life jacket for swift water rescue,
 
the wet suit for staying dry and warm and
 
the pole they use to try to reach a person that is in the water.

   
We put on the safety helmets that felt much bigger than our bicycle helmets.

We met and learned about the dogs that are trained for Search and Rescue. 
 
It can take up to 18 months or more, of many hours of training, to get
a dog ready for the job.
 
Luke, who is having his belly scratched, will be retiring soon at 8
years of age.  The other two dogs love to search so they can play
tug of war with their handler as a reward.

We learned to “Hug a Tree” if we get separated from our grown-up
in the woods.  (The bear is pretending to be a tree).
 
It's important to tell our parents or grandparents where we are going when
we go out to play (the same is important for adults too).
  
A few important things to remember while you stay by your tree are;
to stay warm, blow a whistle if you have one and answer when you hear
your name being called.

           Future Search and Rescue Volunteers

A very big thank you to all the people who volunteer their time to train,
be prepared and ready to go at a moment’s notice to help others when
they are lost. 
                      You do an amazing job!