All CRSAR members are trained and certified in ground search operations. The Ground Search Team consists of about 50 members broken down into Search Managers, Ground Search Team Leaders (GSTLs) and searchers.

Before any new members can participate in a search or rescue they must be trained and certified. New members are put through a ground search and rescue course that covers basic search techniques, different types of searches, basic rope rescue, navigation by compass, map reading, GPS, overnight survival, helicopter safety, etc.

Many of our call-outs require a lot of ground searched through unforgiving forested areas with underbrush that only a BC outdoors person can appreciate. Navigating through the thick underbrush, in the dark, in the pouring rain, with a compass and a map when you should be at home sleeping can be very challenging. That being said, seeing the look on a subject's face when they are found is a truly rewarding experience.

Searches are conducted at any time of the year, any time of the day, in any type of terrain. It requires dedicated SAR members that are willing to leave the comfort of their home and family to look for a complete stranger regardless of the weather. Many searches are completed in a few hours, occasionally, they take several days. As volunteers, SAR members in BC are not paid for the time they contribute.