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13 New SAR Techs Receive Their Wings

June 27th, 2010 ~ No Comments

The most recent graduating class of SAR techs. Front row: MCpl B. Rasmussen; MCpl K. Cochrane; MCpl B. Robitaille; MCpl K. Schmidt. Middle row: MCpl R. Swanson; MCpl K. Wallace; MCpl E. Deschenes; MCpl S. Chenelle-Pepin. Back row: Cpl R. Kruger; MCpl R. Featherstone; MCpl P. Guitard; MCpl B. Nisbett; MCpl A. Demers.

COMOX, BC – After 11 months of intensive training, 13 new search and rescue technicians (SAR techs) received their SAR tech wings and distinctive orange berets on June 17.

The students successfully completed highly specialized training including advanced trauma life-support, land and sea survival, rescue techniques from helicopters, parachuting, diving, mountain climbing and rappelling.

“The course was very challenging, especially the Arctic phase,” said MCpl Kurtis Schmidt, who will join 442 Transport and Rescue Squadron at 19 Wing Comox, B.C.

“It was incredibly cold, mentally and physically demanding, but it was definitely cool to sleep in an igloo. At the same time, the course was a lot of fun. Jumping out of a plane for the first time was an incredible rush.”

MCpl Bennett Rasmussen of Ile des Chênes, Man., received the Rescue Wings Award for top candidate. MCpl Rasmussen joined the Reserve Force as an infanteer in 2004 and later transferred to the Regular Force as a medical technician with 1 Field Ambulance in Edmonton, Alta. In 2008 he deployed to Afghanistan with 2nd Battalion, Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry (2PPCLI) where his section was ambushed. Without a second thought, MCpl Rasmussen, a private at the time, moved under heavy enemy fire to an injured colleague and began administering first-aid while returning fire. His actions have earned him a “Mentioned in Dispatches” from the Governor General, as announced on June 10. The Governor General will present him with a special insignia later this year.

“The graduates of [this] SAR tech course…have demonstrated unequivocal professionalism and determination to achieve SAR wing standard,” said Chief Warrant Officer John Oakes of the Canadian Forces School of Search and Rescue. “This is the first step in their new career. Once they arrive at their new place of work – various search and rescue squadrons from Gander, N. L., to Comox, B.C., the next evolution of evaluations will test their true ability to become part of an operational SAR crew in support of the national SAR mandate.”

SAR techs are responsible for saving the lives of hundreds of Canadians every year and provide on-scene medical attention and rescue for aviators, mariners and others in distress in remote or hard to reach areas.

Tags: News

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