Search and rescue teams exist so that "others may live", the following case helps describe one of the important services search and rescue volunteers provide in the community...

Timmy and Jonathan run outside wearing their new super hero capes and scare Fluffy who was sleeping on the picnic table. She hisses and runs off. Timmy and Jonathan follow her into the woods behind the house.

"Wait Fluffy I am a superhero I can protect you!", Timmy yells. They follow her for a few minutes, their feet crunching in the dry leaves. Timmy stops to catch his breath and he cannot see Fluffy, nothing looks familiar and he does not feel like a hero anymore.

Jonathan stops to retie his shoelace and when he looks up he does not see Timmy anywhere, after calling for Timmy for several minutes he returns to the house to tell Timmy's Mom he lost Timmy and Fluffy in the woods.

She runs outside and yells for Timmy but there is no reply just silence - then a meow. Fluffy is home but no sign of Timmy. Timmy's Mom calls the police while Timmy's Dad searches in the area Jonathan last saw Timmy but does not find him.

After Constable Jones finishes speaking with Timmy's worried mom on the phone he contacts and requests the York Sunbury Search & Rescue team's assistance.

Beep, beep... the pager sounds as Jane's family is eating supper. She gets the details regarding the search for Timmy, collects her equipment and travels to the SAR pre-arranged meeting site. Search and Rescue members put their own plans on hold when a search is called, a life could be at risk.

As soon as possible search team members arrive at Timmy's house to setup their command vehicle and equipment. Information is gathered about Timmy, his last known location, type of clothing worn, description and medical history. A plan is made and many search teams are sent into the woods, there is a lost little boy that needs to be in his own bed.

Timmy is very scared - it is so dark, his tummy is empty and he is cold. Tears run down his cheeks, he wishes he was home with Mommy and Daddy. He curls up beside a big tree and cries himself to sleep. Sometime latter he awakens and hears noises, is someone calling his name? He sees some lights... what should he do? Mommy told him to never speak to strangers...

It is just before dawn, search team members hear whimpering then walk in
the direction of the sound. Jane sees shiny material in the beam of her flashlight. From the description they know that Timmy is wearing a super hero cape. She drops to her knees and holds the flashlight so Timmy can see her face.
" Hi Timmy, my name is Jane and I work with Search and Rescue. Your Mommy and Daddy sent me to bring you home". She holds out her hand and Timmy takes it. Another searcher asks Timmy if he hurts anywhere and carefully wraps him in a warm blanket and gives him a drink of water. The team radios the command vehicle that Timmy has been found and is ok.

Timmy is carried home to his to his overjoyed parents. Tired but relieved, members of the volunteer search team pack up and return to their own families but are pleased to have helped Timmy and his Mom and Dad.

Please click here for more details on the "lost without you!" campaign