Search and rescue teams see record call volumes in 2017

Coquitlam Search and Rescue (SAR) had more call-outs in 2017 than any year in itshistory.

The volunteer, non-profit organization received 54 calls for help, a 38 per cent increase over last year.

Michael Coyle, a manager with Coquitlam SAR, says it's hard to pinpoint the exact cause.

"What I can say is that the number of hours we've spent on task is the same," he said. "In general, peopleare about as responsible as they'vealways been.Perhaps, they're quicker to call now."

Coylesaid newer technology and cell phone GPSs have helped locate people sooner.

Increase in calls to locate people with dementia

But Coquitlam SARsays it has seen an alarming increase in the amount of calls for help in locating people with dementia18 per cent of calls last year came in from police who were contacted by family members looking for loved ones.

Most of those calls came from Burnaby.

"Typically, the person is found but not necessarily by us. It's quite likely they are found by other people, said Coyle.

"Sometimes they get on a bus.Sometimes they walk many, many blocks their health can be delicate and they don't ask for help."

North Shore Rescue calls up 30 per cent

Mike Dankswith North Shore Rescue (NSR) said it too has seen a large increase in calls for help more than 120 in 2017. That'sup 30 per cent in the last three years.

Dankssaid more detailed statistics will be released in the coming days.

One of Coquitlam SAR's most widely publicized rescues came during a massive threeday search for missing dog walker Annette Poitras.

Poitras went missing in a backcountry area of Coquitlam in November. Search teams from throughout the Lower Mainland were dispatchedand Poitras was rescued by teams usinga long line and a helicopter in an area off-limits to hikers and dog walkers.

Coquitlam SAR serves Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam, Port Moody, New Westminster and Burnaby.

More than 50men and women volunteer for the search and rescue organization. There are 2,500 search and rescue volunteers across B.C.