Queens Ground Search and Rescue is seeing a resurgence in membership and technology.

Based in Queens, the group can be called to respond across Nova Scotia to assist RCMP trying to locate people lost in the woods.

Searcher, Jason Croft says the organization is 20 members strong, half of whom are active searchers, and they are still recruiting.

“The only real requirement is that you are physically fit to walk in the woods. All training is provided by Queens Ground Search and Rescue,” said Croft.

That usually involves completing several modules.

“Your typical training would be map and compass, GPS, maybe clue finding and wilderness survival, for example. Just to make sure that not only can do the job,” said Croft, and “you can stay safe while you’re doing it.”

Croft says Queens Ground Search and Rescue usually receives six to eight calls per year to assist in a search.

The group is also building out a trailer to replace their aging bus as a mobile command centre.

The trailer has several stations including: communications to stay in contact with other search teams, a tracking station to monitor the location of the searchers, a logistics position to track equipment that’s been deployed and a search manager station to coordinate how the search will proceed.

Longer term goals include buying a drone, infra-red thermal imaging equipment and off-road response vehicles to assist in their searches.

Queens Ground Search and Rescue is self-funded and constantly looking for grants and fundraising opportunities.

Croft says the pandemic has put a damper on those activities but hopes that will improve as COVID restrictions lift.

He says the members are excited to see an upward trend in new recruits after declining enrolment over the past few years.

“We’re now trying to look into making sure that our infrastructure and our technology takes the appropriate steps forward now to match not only current demands but our current sizing.”

To learn how to become involved with Queens Ground Search and Rescue head to their Facebook page.

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