History

Where We Started

North Shore Rescue was founded in September 1965, emerging as the Mountain Rescue Group disbanded. The team began as a heavy urban search and rescue unit, originally intended to support Civil Defense in the event of a nuclear attack. Early training covered building reinforcement, welding, nuclear fallout measurement, riot control, firefighting, auto extrication, and first aid.

From Civil Defense to Wilderness Rescue

Over time, the team’s role evolved. Local police occasionally asked volunteers to search for lost hikers and skiers, and it became clear there was more demand for wilderness search and rescue than for a Civil Defense unit. North Shore Rescue shifted its focus, training and equipping for operations across the North Shore mountains and surrounding terrain.

Pioneering New SAR Techniques

Throughout its history, NSR has taken the lead in developing techniques and protocols for search and rescue (SAR) operations. The team was one of the first in BC to train in human tracking, work alongside search dogs, establish a dive team, and create specialized procedures for treating hypothermia victims.

The team once had a dive group, which performed underwater search and rescue operations. This function is now performed by the police. The current team focuses on Mountain Search and Rescue (SAR), Helicopter Rescue, Urban Search and Rescue, and public education.

Where We Are Now

Today, North Shore Rescue concentrates on mountain search and rescue, helicopter rescue, urban search and rescue, and public education—delivering a life-saving service to the community, 24 hours a day.

North Shore Rescue’s focus on team operations has been strengthened by several recent initiatives. The team now combines technical expertise, modern equipment, and smart systems to respond faster and more effectively in the field.

Helicopter‑based Rescues in Technical Terrain

NSR has led the way in British Columbia for SAR teams in developing and using the Human External Transport System (HETS), also known as Human External Cargo (HEC). Specially trained members are suspended beneath a helicopter on lines over 200 feet long, allowing them to reach remote, technical terrain and quickly evacuate stranded or injured hikers, climbers, skiers, snowboarders, and snowshoers.

All‑terrain Response Capability

To match growing call volumes in specific areas, NSR has added ATV and snowmobile capability to its response toolkit. These vehicles help the team reach call‑out zones faster in winter and off‑road environments.

Stronger Communications, Tougher Terrain

NSR operates a comprehensive communication system built around seven strategically placed VHF radio repeater sites. This network is essential given the mountainous terrain on the North Shore, the expansion of hiking areas, and the surge in mountain biking—and the accidents that come with this extreme sport.

Custom‑built Tools for Our Region

With support from private donors and municipal partners, North Shore Rescue has produced its own topographic maps tailored specifically to our operations on the North Shore and its complex terrain.

North Shore Rescue by the Numbers

NSR responds to over 130 rescues annually—almost three rescues per week. Many of these operations last more than one day.

• In the shoulder seasons, we see fewer rescues.
• During the busy summer season, it’s common to see three to five rescues in a single weekend.
• Winter rescues tend to last longer and require more manpower due to darkness, weather, snow conditions, and limited air support due to weather and light.

In 2025, NSR volunteers contributed over 12,000 hours on calls, 10,000 hours in training and support tasks, and 3,000 hours supporting events and education activities in our community—totalling more than 25,000 volunteer hours overall. That comes out to an average of over 250 hours per volunteer, though many of our members go far beyond. For every call, event or training, there’s prep, cleanup, restocking, planning, and countless unseen hours of administration.