Search and rescue
Under clear skies, two trampers set off for a short walk in the hills. The weather turns stormy, and by evening they still haven’t returned. Who do you turn to?
Part of story: Search and rescue
Who needs search and rescue?
In New Zealand, as well as all those who fly, travel by sea or need to be in remote areas for their employment, many people enjoy recreational activities in the mountains, rivers, along the coast and at sea.
Part of story: Search and rescue
New Zealand search and rescue organisations
Around the world, search and rescue operations (SAR) aim to find missing people in dangerous situations and to rescue them, or, in the worst case, recover bodies.
Part of story: Search and rescue
Rescue equipment and techniques
Traditional methods of rescue were slow. Bush rescuers often carried people out on stretchers, through rugged country. Boats were the main way to reach people in trouble at sea.
Part of story: Search and rescue
History
Early searches In the nineteenth century, searches were carried out when ships were wrecked, but people who got lost in the backcountry were often never rescued, or were found only by chance.
Part of story: Search and rescue
Volunteers
Volunteers are critical to the success of search and rescue operations. Over 90% of the 11,000 people involved in the search and rescue sector are volunteers.