The AR1 Program.
The Air Rescue One helicopter rescue program provides rapid, specialized rescue response for the most critically injured, lost, or medically compromised individuals throughout the Thompson Okanagan. In emergency rescue situations, time is often the most critical factor.
While ground-based rescue can take hours to access remote or difficult terrain, AROHWS-operated rescue helicopters can be launched within minutes, flying at speeds exceeding 200 km/h to reach patients quickly. Once on scene, highly trained helicopter rescue specialists are deployed by rescue winch directly to the patient’s location. Rescue crews provide immediate medical care, pain management, warming, and stabilization before winching the patient safely into the helicopter. Care continues in flight as the patient is transported directly to definitive medical services.
The Air Rescue One program serves as the region’s primary helicopter-based search and rescue winch capability and is delivered by AROHWS in close collaboration with Vernon Search and Rescue and other regional SAR teams.
The Air Rescue One program was originally developed by Vernon Search and Rescue, one of British Columbia’s founding search and rescue organizations, established in 1960. The program evolved from a provincial pilot project conducted in partnership with Emergency Management BC and the BC Search and Rescue Association, which demonstrated the effectiveness of winch-equipped helicopters for civilian search and rescue operations. Following the pilot, Air Rescue One became Canada’s first civilian helicopter winch rescue program and continues to operate as a vital regional rescue resource today.
Rail Trail Rescue
Spring 2017
Cliff rescue near Vernon, BC.
There’s more.
Nobody heads out for daily recreation expecting to take a ride in the rescue helicopter, but each day the highly skilled paramedics, rescue technicians, and pilots of Air Rescue One are prepped and ready to help you in your time of need. Seventy percent of the missions are for severe traumatic injuries and medical incidents with the remainder being rescues for those lost or stranded. The people we rescue are just like you. They are almost never extreme dare devils or crazy adventurers. They are everyday people out mountain biking, skiing, hiking, snowmobiling, riding horses, or just walking their dog.
The AR1 program works alongside ground SAR groups and other emergency services across the Thompson Okanagan to rescue you and your loved ones through the 911 emergency service. Our rescues are delivered at NO COST to the patient, helping you in your time of need.