By George Field and Joel Christensen

Rescues in 2002 (Canmore/Kananaskis area) Type of Emergency Total Rescued Overdue/missing persons 53 Climbing accidents/evacuations 7 Water rescues 8 Backcountry evacuation 4 Skiing/boarding accidents 28 Avalanche occurrence 7 Bicycle accidents 85 Equestrian accidents 3 Off-highway accidents 11 Motor vehicle accident (non-injury) 15 Motor vehicle accident (injury) 16 Wildlife/human conflict 30 Miscellaneous accidents* 42 *may include general medical assistance, aircraft incidents, tobogganing accidents, non-climbing related falls

An emergency call can come at any time for Parks and Protected Areas conservation officers in Kananaskis Country working in the public safety program. The call could initiate a search for a missing child who wandered away from a campsite, or it might be a call to rescue an injured mountain climber hanging a thousand feet above a valley floor.

This area's conservation officers often put their lives on the line to save people who find themselves in dangerous situations. Returning a lost child to parents, or saving a life, provide the strong motivation required for the public safety conservation officers who participate in the hundreds of hours of specialized training required to do their jobs. Grueling mountain terrain, training in freezing winter weather, swift water rescue training in numbing glacier-fed streams, and long hours of advanced first aid preparation are all part of the safety program requirements.

All Kananaskis Country conservation officers participate in the public safety program as part of their normal duty. Each conservation officer must perform a personal assessment of their skills relating to the various emergency response situations. Once their basic skills have been identified, the officers work with the Public Safety Team Leader to develop a training program that will develop skills over the long-term. The goal is for conservation officers to have the confidence and expertise to perform leadership roles in search and rescue emergencies.

Specialized training is required for helicopter rescue techniques, cliff rope system rescues, swift water rescue, cave rescue, vehicle accident and victim removal, cadaver retrieval, and a diversity of other rescue scenarios. In conjunction with these training needs, officers participate in a three to five year program to gain skills required to be an on-site commander for emergency mission responses. Additional training takes the officer to the level of managing emergencies. A few dedicated individuals have achieved this level of the public safety program in Kananaskis Country.

The training pays off with every saved life. The selfless dedication the conservation officers involved in the public safety program have demonstrated in their careers, and in their volunteer contributions, has had an impact on all our lives. Through valuable programs such as this, they have helped to ensure the safety and security of Albertans and visitors to Kananaskis Country as they experience the area's natural landscapes and biological treasures.

The Alberta Emergency Services Medal - the first medal of its kind in Canada - was presented to 12 parks public safety program staff who have dedicated themselves to protecting others and have demonstrated an unparalleled commitment to the safety and security of Albertans. Congratulations to recipients: Bill O'Connor, George Field, Burke Duncan, Randy Axani, Rod Gow, Dave Hanna, Rod Jaeger, Glenn Naylor, Pat Ronald, Donna Schley, Ken Spreadbury and Mike O'Reilly.