Coquitlam Search and Rescue

On September 20, 2026 at 2:59pm - Coquitlam SAR was tasked in assisting BCEHS with rescuing a hiker who had exceeded their abilities on the Diez Vistas Trail. Two Class-D techs were inserted at the subject's location to assess the subject and deemed the subject well enough to be escorted off the trail. Subsequent team members proceeded to the subject's location on foot to assist them and their group off the trail to an awaiting transport vehicle on the North end of the trail. The subject was handed off to BCEHS and all members were out of the field at 8:14pm.

This task is a good reminder of the Three T's promoted by AdventureSmart (https://www.adventuresmart.ca/the-three-ts/). Trip Planning involves research which helps you to understand and appreciate the level of difficulty expected for a proposed hike, and helps you select an appropriate objective. Related to this rescue is the 2nd of the Three T's - Training - ensuring that you have the appropriate level of training (experience, physical fitness, etc.) for your intended objective, so that you don't select a destination that is beyond your abilities. Lastly, the 3rd T - Taking the essentials (i.e. the 10 Essentials).

*Update September 20, 2026 at 9:11pm - task complete, separate post with further updates to come.*

September 20, 2026 - Task in Progress - Coquitlam SAR is currently on task in the Buntzen Lake area. An update will be provided shortly.

Last night, our members were out in the field working on Marine scenarios and night time trail riding (and trail side bike repairs). Both groups were greeted with some pretty amazing sunsets!

Today, one of our Coq SAR members had the pleasure of getting together with Dave and Gerry Brewer, who were part of the founding group of North Shore Rescue.

These kinds of connections are a great reminder of the history and legacy behind Search and Rescue in our region. Dave and Gerry have decades of SAR experience and have helped shape the volunteer rescue community we know today.

Dave was also one of the guest instructors for the SAR Managers Course Ian Cunnings attended back in 1987 — a great example of how knowledge and experience have been shared from one generation of SAR volunteers to the next.

Coquitlam Search and Rescue is also proud of its own long history as one of the first Search and Rescue teams in the region, with generations of volunteers carrying on the tradition of serving their communities.

There’s an especially meaningful connection for Ian Cunnings — his father Don Cunnings - was one of the founding members of Coquitlam Search and Rescue.

It’s amazing to see how the commitment to volunteer Search and Rescue continues through generations, and how the friendships, mentorship and connections made over the years continue to bring our SAR community together.

We’re proud of our history and grateful to those who helped build the SAR community we are part of today. ❤️

On September 6, 2026 at 11:14am, Coquitlam SAR was tasked with rescuing an individual who had suffered a fall on Burke Mountain and sustained some injuries to the upper body. The UTV was deployed alongside Coquitlam Fire and Rescue while the e-bike team was put on stand-by. After the subject was assessed and stabilized, the Coquitlam SAR, Class-D team with Talon Helicopters packaged and extracted the subject by hoist and transferred the subject into the care of
BC Emergency Health Service.

Thank you to all of our partner agencies for their continued professionalism during this rescue.

*Update September 6, at 3:00pm - task complete, separate post with further updates to come.*
Currently our members are responding to a task on Burke mountain. We will provides updates when available. Thank you

LONG WEEKEND? BE ADVENTURE SMART!

Heading into the outdoors this long weekend? A little preparation can make a big difference.

📍 Leave a trip plan with someone you trust.
📱 Bring a charged phone and the right communication gear.
🗺️ Know your route, check conditions and watch the weather.
🎒 Pack the essentials — water, food, layers and a first-aid kit.
👥 Whenever possible, adventure with a buddy.
⏰ Know your limits and don’t be afraid to turn back.

And if things don’t go as planned and you become lost, injured or need help — call 911.

Coquitlam Search & Rescue volunteers are ready to respond 24/7, because every adventure should end with you getting home safely. ❤️

Have fun. Explore responsibly. Be BC AdventureSmart Visit BC AdventureSmart for trip planning tips and other valuable information https://www.adventuresmart.ca/

We're elated with the news! Glad to have been of assistance with this search.

STANISLAV HAS BEEN FOUND !!

After several long days of searching, we are incredibly relieved to share that Stanislav has been found alive and is safe.

Stanislav walked himself out and was located on the Indian Arm FSR.

We know so many people across Squamish, the Sea to Sky, and beyond have been following his story, sharing our posts, sending messages, and hoping alongside his family.

Today, we get to share the news we’ve all been waiting for.

A heartfelt thank you to every SAR team, first responder, volunteers and everyone else who played a part in the search — and to everyone who shared, supported, and kept hope.

We are so thankful

Our Members in Training (MIT's) received some familiarization training with our e-bikes this week. What is your favorite local trail to ride?