Every once in a while we must all pause to acknowledge the invaluable service our volunteer base provides - and no, we're not referring to those who make local events possible (as worthy as they are of accolade). In this case, we're referring to those who literally save lives.
Squamish Search and Rescue responded to five calls over the August long weekend alone. Statistically, the highest incident location in the area over the years has been the trail to The Chief's first peak, where emergency crews can see such relatively minor calls as rolled ankles, or such potentially life-ending problems as heart attacks.
No matter the call, typically 10 out of the 40 to 50 SAR volunteer base turn out since it's impossible to predict the factors involved in each rescue.
It's odd to think that without the dedication of unpaid emergency crews, like Squamish Search and Rescue or Squamish Fire Rescue, there would be, without a doubt, increased deaths and further injuries sustained in our area.
It's especially odd given the fact that so many outdoor adventurers come here specifically because they feel safe performing all forms of backcountry activities feeling fully confident that, in the event of injury, help would be on its way.
And who doesn't feel entirely sure emergency crews would respond in the event you were in a highway accident?More often than not, those first responders are volunteer firefighters.
A very good argument could be made that such groups are vital to the local and provincial economy, which is driven so significantly by tourists coming to experience the outdoor wonders - so shouldn't the highly-trained members that make up such groups be paid?
Not only are they unpaid, volunteers aren't even compensated for gas, wear and tear on their own equipment, or hotels and meals when they take training courses in other cities.
And despite the reams of press coverage rescue operations get, the men and women behind the missions remain, essentially, unsung heroes.
That may be because it's frightening to think about falling, getting lost in the woods, freezing, suffering, so we often desensitize ourselves to what these rescue operations truly entail.
It's only once unfortunate events befall us that we realize exactly what it takes to save our sorry butts. Not to mention saving countless family members and loved-ones from untold grief.
But once saved, it's never forgotten. Now that speaks volumes.
It seems for now, our hero volunteers have only gratitude as payment - and as such, we should all try to make them feel like the richest men and women in town.
- Sylvie Paillard
