Kerry McCluskey
Northern News Services
Kugluktuk (Mar 26/01) - The next time Allen Niptanatiak is called out to participate in a search and rescue mission, he'll saddle up his snowmobile with a bit more knowledge under his belt.
That's thanks to a recent weekend training course put on by Kugluktuk's search and rescue society for 16 residents of the Kitikmeot community.
Even though he's been involved in many searches over the last 20 years, Niptanatiak said he learned a great deal from teacher Paul Omstead -- an RCMP officer who works with the search and rescue division in Edmonton.
"It was very understandable and we found out where we were making some mistakes," said Niptanatiak.
He said searchers learned the importance of reporting all details and giving precise and exact instructions and locations to other searchers.
"It's the small things that could lead to a nasty situation," he said.
Overall, he said the course was helpful and would make the team a more efficient one.
"It's good to have someone come in and tell us how to do it. You never stop learning. The minute you do, you're dead," said Niptanatiak.
