How to become a search and rescue volunteer?

Iv always been interested in becoming a search and rescue volunteer but have never looked into it properly. Anyhow we have a local guy missing up in the bush and I know the area somewhat well so went for a 20km walk up there today in the hopes I might bump into him. No luck unfortunately but it’s really made me want to get serious about becoming a search and rescue volunteer. I don’t have any first aid experience however I’m a vet tech and have emergency first aid experience from that. Aside from doing a proper first aid course what else do I need to do? I’m located in the Waikato soon to be south Waikato if that’s any help.

Were you looking for Liam?

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Originally Posted by DavidGunn

Were you looking for Liam?

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Yeah, fingers crossed he’s found

Did you go in at Waiorongomai

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Originally Posted by DavidGunn

Did you go in at Waioronogomai

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No I’d heard they were hoping to shut it so only SAR could go there, someone else mentioned Thompson’s so we went up tuahu to the north/south track. The more ground that’s covered the better.

I thought the selfi he posted on the way in had Waiorogomai farmland in the background

Had he been allowed to take a firearm he could have used it to inform of his distress.

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Originally Posted by DavidGunn

Had he been allowed to take a firearm he could have used it to inform of his distress.

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I’m surprised they have allowed hiking.

I guess both him and you missed the 3 hour memo

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Originally Posted by DavidGunn

I guess both him and you missed the 3 km memo

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I sure did. What’s that? I read hiking is allowed within your region/area. Covered 20k from start to finish but that was between two tracks.

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Originally Posted by Chelsea

I sure did. What’s that? I read hiking is allowed within your region/area. Covered 20k from start to finish that was between two tracks.

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My mistake 3 hours not 3 km

And good on you for wanting to do SAR...walk those Kaimai tracks and learn them well...I might need you one day to come look for me.

Find your local contact Here and drop them a line and they will get in touch, might take a few days while we are still in lockdown. @Chelsea

yep i did the same but went up to the mast via te aroha then back down via dog kennel flat then tui mine - hope hes found soon

Thanks all, have sent through a message to the Taupo one. We will be in south tokoroa in a few weeks so presume that’s the closest. I’d love to join the likes of ruapehu but it’s a bit far. It would be great to be able to help more in situations like this. I can see the kaimais from home and it’s hard not being able to help more.