Road rescue volunteers
There are approximately 300,000 motor vehicle accidents in B.C. every year (ICBC). Most occur within response areas where, if necessary, fire, police and ambulance respond.
Approximately 2,000 of those accidents occur outside of response areas. In these situations, about 150 fire departments voluntarily respond with apparatus, equipment, and personnel.
In addition, many communities have developed road rescue societies and some search and rescue groups have added road rescue to their skills.
What volunteers do
Road Rescue service providers may be requested to provide support to people involved in out-of-jurisdiction motor vehicle accidents, where specialized skills - such as vehicle extrication, rope rescue and other rescue services - and equipment are required.
How to join
The B.C. government doesn't directly recruit volunteers. If you're interested in becoming a Road Rescue volunteer, start by inquiring with your local fire department.
Alternately, you can call your EMBC regional office and they will help you get in touch with a road rescue society or search and rescue group.
Training
Road Rescue service providers maintain an on-going competency program that includes safety and training techniques for accessing people who may be trapped in a vehicle or machinery and hazardous material awareness. Training may also include embankment rescue and fire suppression.
Training is organized locally and may be provided in-house or with specialized trainers.
Volunteer resources
General — for all public safety lifeline volunteers
Volunteer safety and code of conduct
We are committed to the safety of all public safety lifeline volunteers.
Code of conduct
Volunteers have a high level of responsibility and accountability while performing their duties. The code of conduct documents outline the expectations and responsibilities of each registered volunteer, and contain the process for a breach of the Code of Conduct.
Workers compensation coverage
- Policy (PDF, 407KB)
- Procedures (PDF,245KB)
- FAQs (PDF, 328KB)
- WorksafeBC Form 7 - Employer's Report of Injury or Occupational Disease
Liability coverage
Equipment Repair/Replacement
- Policy (PDF, 120 KB)
- Procedures (PDF, 227 KB)
- FAQs (PDF, 230 KB)
- Form (PDF, 98 KB)
- Instructions (PDF, 260 KB)
- 5.02 Expense Reimbursement Request Form (PDF)
- 5.02 Expense Reimbursement Request Supplement (PDF)
- 5.04 Volunteer Equipment Repair/Replacement Request Form Instructions (PDF)
- 5.04 Volunteer Equipment Repair/Replacement Request Form (PDF)
Road rescue specific resources
Hepatitis B prevention/post exposure follow-up
- Policy (PDF, 404 KB)
- 2.05 Red Flashing Light and Siren Permit Application Form - available by contacting Vehicle.Inspections@gov.bc.ca or 250 952-0577