Land Search and Rescue volunteers are everywhere for everyone

Earlier this month, a tramper was found cold but alive after three wet nights in Mount Richmond Forest Park – a happy ending thanks to the police and New Zealand Land Search and Rescue (LandSAR).

Over the past year, LandSAR volunteers went to the aid of 1086 people across the country. Everywhere for everyone, the unpaid professionals do their best to bring people home.

“Everybody can make mistakes but if we can stop that mistake costing their life, it's wonderful,” said Marlborough LandSAR chairman Peter Hamill.

The Marlborough District Council scientist decided eight years ago to join the incorporated society and became a team leader.

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“I've got kids, and if something happen to them out there in the wilderness, I'd like someone to be able to come and help them,” he said.

“I have the skills and ability to do that, and being a volunteer is a way to give back to the community.”

“We don't have a roster, you just say if you are available or not. We check with the police what their requirements are, and we get a team ready.

“Tasks could be simple things like going at the end of the road, sitting in the car, waiting and just seeing if anybody walks past, because a lot of people that are missing are actually self-rescued, they are just running late,” Hamill explains.

To face all the scenarios, LandSAR has various teams (containment team, hasty team, tracking team) and different profiles from truck drivers, receptionist to electricians or doctors.

“You don't have to be particularly fit. People think that they have to be a mountain man or hill people, but we have a whole variety of roles that people can be fit into,” Hamill said.

In Marlborough, there are around 30 dedicated volunteers who are trained all year around to extend their skills.

“It is always cool to bring people home. When you arrive and someone is on the side of a mountain, it is 2am, and they thought that they were going to die, and you rescue them, it's a pretty special feeling.

“You feel proud that you have done job you saved someone.”

Hamill takes advantage of the opportunity to remind hikers of basic safety rules.

“Always let someone know where you are going and when you are due out.

“Carrying a portable locator beacon would also make a huge difference. If you fall over, dislocate your knee somewhere, you can reach it and in one hour you have a helicopter.

“Whereas if you don't have that, it might be two days before you are due out and no one will know where you are. Use the technology that is available,” Hamill said.

Land Search and Rescue is a national volunteer organisation which relies on donations and fundraising.