To request the help of the team, simply call the police by dialing 9-1-1 . There is no charge for the services of the North Shore Rescue Team and as time is often critical, the call for assistance should be made as soon as possible.
Helpful information when calling for the North Shore Rescue team includes:
- any known injuries
- number and names of the subjects
- destination and location last seen
- time of expected return
- equipment and clothing carried
- your phone number (more information will be needed later)
Mountain Search and Rescue
The mountains and canyons of the North Shore offer incredible outdoor adventures for both locals and visitors. But the same rugged terrain that draws people in can quickly become dangerous — for those who get into trouble and for the rescuers who respond. To stay ready for anything, North Shore Rescue trains year‑round to keep skills sharp and team performance high.
Every member is equipped and prepared to handle search and rescue operations and first aid in any terrain, in any season. Most volunteers are trained to the Justice Institute of BC’s rope rescue team member level, with many advancing to the team leader level. The team even includes a certified JI rope rescue instructor. Each summer, members take part in an intensive mountain workshop that hones alpine rescue skills and ensures NSR remains ready for all conditions.
Advanced Medical Provider Program
The Advanced Medical Provider (AMP) Program brings critical care directly to the field. This specialized medical team includes physicians and nurses trained in advanced pre‑hospital care. Deployed by helicopter during complex or high‑acuity search and rescue calls, AMP members provide life‑saving treatment for severe trauma and medical emergencies in the backcountry. The program serves to bridge the gap between traditional pre-hospital care and the often-challenging environment of the North Shore mountain.
Hoisting & Night Hoisting
In partnership with Talon Helicopters, North Shore Rescue provides hoist and night hoist rescue capabilities using Talon’s AS365 helicopters. Together, NSR and Talon developed a pioneering night hoist program. After many years of work with the province, this is the first civilian rescue team in Canada authorized for night flying and hoisting operations.
Combined with the AMP Program, NSR delivers advanced technical rescue and critical care hoist services year‑round, across British Columbia.
Human External Cargo (HEC)
North Shore Rescue is a founding organization in using the Helicopter Human External Cargo (HEC) System. This specialized technique allows rescuers to be inserted or extracted from tough, inaccessible terrain — or to airlift stranded or injured patients to safety. It’s fast, precise, and extremely safe. Since introducing the system in 1996, NSR has carried out hundreds of HEC rescues and remains one of North America’s most experienced teams in this advanced method. HEC is also known as the Helicopter External Transport System (HETS).
LifeSeeker
LifeSeeker is an advanced airborne technology used by North Shore Rescue to help locate missing individuals through their mobile phones — even when there is no cellular reception. Mounted on a helicopter, the system functions like a portable cell tower, allowing rescuers to detect, locate, and in some cases communicate with active phones in remote or mountainous terrain.
Urban Search and Rescue
NSR provides Search and Rescue services to local police agencies in response to searches for elderly walkaways and lost or missing children. NSR has developed a comprehensive pre-plan to manage with this type of demanding urban and rescue emergency.
Civil Emergency Response
As a community‑based team, North Shore Rescue is trained and equipped to assist during major civil emergencies and disasters. The team can provide search and rescue, communications, first aid, and other critical support to help communities during floods, earthquakes, and other natural or human‑caused events.
NSR also maintains a fully equipped Casualty Collecting Unit, part of the National Emergency Services Stockpile. Stored at the team’s base, this unit includes stretchers, blankets, and first aid gear ready for rapid deployment when large‑scale emergencies strike.
Dog Search (CARDA)
North Shore Rescue works with highly trained search dogs and handlers through the Canadian Avalanche Rescue Dog Association (CARDA). These dog teams are skilled in locating lost or buried subjects in both wilderness and avalanche environments. Combining an exceptional sense of smell with expert handler coordination, CARDA dogs can quickly cover large areas that would take human rescuers much longer to search.
Police Evidence Search
North Shore Rescue members are sometimes called upon by the local police to assist in searching for evidence in criminal cases. All NSR members are trained in grid searches and securing a scene. The team will work under the direction of a police investigator to search likely areas. We have assisted in these searches both on the North Shore and other jurisdictions like UBC and Bowen Island.
Educational Program
North Shore Rescue volunteers offer presentations to organizations and community groups on mountain and hiking safety. Programs are available for young children, youth, and adults, and are tailored to promote safe, confident enjoyment of the outdoors. To learn more or request a presentation, contact our team.
Grouse Grind Patrol
North Shore Rescue conducts nightly sweeps of the popular Grouse Grind trail on behalf of Metro Vancouver. The team checks the route to ensure no hikers are lost or injured before the trail closes for the night. Sweeps are carried out only when the Grind is open to the public.