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Lessons learned from the acquisition of a rescue vehicle

By Roland Hanel, SAR Global 1

For a volunteer search and rescue (SAR) team, the acquisition of its first vehicle represents a substantial milestone. It suggests that the team has reached a critical mass of activity, personnel and funding. There is likely no single vehicle that will meet all the needs of a volunteer SAR team. Numerous features, options, and configurations are possible, though each will be a compromise.

After 13 years, Search and Rescue Global 1 (SAR Global 1), serving Eastern Ontario and Western Quebec, finally bought its first vehicle. For many years after its founding in 1996, our equipment was stored in one member’s basement. As the team and its finances grew, we were able to rent a small storage locker. SAR Global 1 now has 100 members, an average of ten missions a year, and activities, such as training, meetings, fundraising, or Hug-a-Tree presentations, almost every day of the week.

Until the purchase of the new truck, each incident required a convoy of private vehicles at the storage locker, and the loss of valuable time. At the scene, operations would be managed from a police command vehicle (if available), the front seat of a member’s truck, or a tent belonging to the team. Clearly, these arrangements were far from ideal.

Finding a vehicle

The benefits of this vehicle include much storage and seating for six. Photo Credit: Roland Hanel

Years of looking finally paid off in the summer of 2009. An area fire department was selling two 1991 Ford F350 diesel trucks, formerly used to transport rescue equipment. Aside from driver and navigator, the vehicles could also seat four passengers, had standing room, and boasted many internal and external storage cabinets.

After some reflection, we bid on the vehicles in the secret auction. Luckily, we were the highest bidder on one of them, though only by $150! Suddenly we found ourselves in a long-term relationship with a temperamental and demanding 18-year old!

Troubles with registration, delays with insurance, inspection requirements, dead batteries, repair bills, the need to modify the vehicle for our own purposes, and that overriding need for indoor parking all had to be addressed. Keeping equipment such as radios, printers and computers warm and charged is a challenge requiring innovation and work. There’s a reason why companies with trucks have mechanics and staff to deal with all these issues!

Benefits of the vehicle

Still, a vehicle offers a number of advantages. It is self-propelled and ready to go on very short notice. In addition, this particular truck has a number of specific benefits, including an abundance of interior and exterior cargo compartments, seating for six, as well as the ability to convert easily into a Command Post. There is also less wear and tear on the equipment since it is already loaded. Only one person and vehicle is required to bring the gear now rather than the previous convoy. The speed, effectiveness and professionalism of our response have improved significantly as a result.

There are also intangible benefits to owning a vehicle. One of these intangibles is the impact on team morale. A new vehicle provides proof of progress and highlights that fundraising efforts are paying off; but more importantly, the throaty growl of the diesel is really satisfying!

SAR Global 1’s new vehicle. Photo Credit: Roland Hanel

Prompt deployment to an incident with our entire equipment and logistics infrastructure reinforces that SAR volunteers are professionals. The visibility of the team is also enhanced, and we expect this to have a positive effect on recruitment, sponsorship, and public awareness. A dedicated team vehicle capable of getting the job done quickly and efficiently can only improve the perception of the public, the lost person’s family, and the tasking agencies.

On the down side, a large truck is no passenger car. It requires greater mechanical and electrical expertise than first thought. Visibility is limited, and two persons are required to back it up safely. The costs to maintain and operate a vehicle will require ongoing fundraising and may delay other projects. Standard operating procedures, maintenance schedules, and training must be developed. Storage, particularly indoor storage with electrical power, is difficult or expensive to obtain, and that is something for which we are still looking. Without indoor parking, the vehicle will soon be covered in snow and may not start due to the cold.

A vehicle underscores the need for a base of operations and other capabilities. It also represents a large increase in commitment required from members. Fortunately, our members have an amazing range of skills, experience, knowledge and contacts. If you need “a village to raise a child”, you need “a team to look after a truck!”

Key lessons

Despite the relatively new relationship with our vehicle, we have learned a few key lessons:

• the vehicle will require more time and money than expected;
• it is important to build a relationship with a full-service truck repair company;
• modifications should be made only after the vehicle has been tested in realistic conditions;
• key equipment should be installed so it is removable;
• there is no such thing as too much storage;
• a pre-paid gas card helps keep the accounting simple;
• the team’s articles of incorporation are required to properly transfer the vehicle;
• driver training must be developed–a truck doesn’t drive like the family minivan.

So far, buying the vehicle has been the right decision for SAR Global 1, as demonstrated by its usefulness at searches and events. As for the longer-term success of this relationship, only time will tell. If you’re thinking about “going down this road”, we would be happy to tell you more about our experience. You may contact us at operations@sarglobal1.ca.

Roland Hanel is the Search Commander and Chief of Operations for Ottawa-Gatineau’s Search and Rescue Global 1. In 2008, Roland was awarded a Certificate of Achievement by the National Search and Rescue Secretariat for his contribution to search and rescue in Canada. A lawyer by training, he now works in Emergency Management for Public Safety Canada.

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