Prince George Search and Rescue can now carry out rescues from above.
A 10-member team has been trained and equipped for a long-line rescue from a helicopter, allowing them to retrieve subjects stranded in spots not so easily reached from the ground, such as steep mountainsides or thick forests.
The rescuer is harnessed to a rope and lowered from the helicopter. The rescuer and subject are then "slinged" to the system and flown to safety.
PGSAR manager Jeff Smedley said there have typically been a couple times each year when they've had to call in another team to perform a long-line rescue and "there have been one or two times each year when we didn't call in somebody else but this really would've helped us."
He said the team will also take the place of its rapid intervention team - a "rescuer of the rescuers" should an SAR member get into trouble. Whenever the SAR is called out, the long-line rescue team will be on standby at the airport.
PGSAR is the first search and rescue group in northern B.C. and one of 13 across the province to have the capability. Smedley is expecting the team will be called out to help with rescues elsewhere.
"I suspect we're going to wind up getting all of the north Peace, out to Smithers, Terrace," Smedley said. "Probably the guys out of Kelowna would cover 100 Mile but we might wind up there too, if they're busy."
Park Canada Rangers in Jasper will continue to provide the service to Robson Valley SAR.
PGSAR is also able to carry swiftwater, avalanche and rope and tracking rescue. Rope and tracking involves rappelling down cliffsides and steep embankments.
PGSAR began the campaign to get long-line rescue in May 2015. The team became operational on Thursday.
"The commitment of our volunteer members, hours of hard work and training has definitely paid off for the team. Fundraising, training and meeting provincial guidelines has taken a lot of work," Smedley said.
