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Emergency response volunteers

Last updated on September 2, 2025

Public Safety Lifeline Volunteers (PSLV) are at the heart of emergency response in B.C. Thousands of volunteers across the province lead air and ground searches, help people in motor vehicle accidents, and coordinate support services. We thank each and every one of them for their time and effort.

The B.C. government provides liability and safety support to each volunteer program. First Nations and local governments manage programs in their community, including recruitment and retention.

Volunteer in your community

Each of these pages has resources and information about different volunteer opportunities that may be available in your community.

  • Emergency support services volunteers work with their local communities during emergency incidents. Responsibilities vary based on position and skill set
  • Search and rescue volunteers may be requested to locate lost or missing persons as well as treating and transporting injured people in wilderness environments
  • Road rescue volunteers provide support at motor vehicle accidents, where specialized skills and other rescue services and equipment are required
  • PEP air volunteers are pilots with aircraft dedicated to the provision of air search support and emergency equipment transportation
  • Emergency radio communication volunteers are certified amateur radio operators who are available to assist with communications in an emergency

Other opportunities

During an emergency, volunteer work is led by local government and First Nations. Call outs may arise as they are needed, for example for sandbagging, or assisting with other tasks. For more information about emergency volunteer opportunities, contact your local government or first nation, and visit their social media or websites where call outs may be posted as needed.

Self-assessment and self-care

Emergency responders – and their families and friends – are encouraged to understand the possible emotional consequences associated with responding to disasters.

Registration and ID cards

This page provides clarity on the two types of registration you'll hear about as a volunteer. You can also learn more about the provincial ID Card. 

Volunteer recognition

Volunteers are incredibly important to emergency management in B.C., and we want to recognize their efforts.