Laure Lejeune plays many roles within Squamish Search and Rescue, not only as the coordinator of the Winter Response Team, but as a member of the Rope Rescue Team and as an active GSAR volunteer. She has years of experience recreating in the outdoors and has her own firsthand experience with backcountry rescue.
WHEN DID YOU JOIN SSAR?
I joined SSAR 4 years ago.
What’s your day job/what do you do other than ssar?
I am a teacher in Squamish. I have been working as a substitute teacher which means I get to connect with a large and diverse group of kids and teenagers in the community. Plus, it allows me the flexibility to pursue my passions.
What is(ARE) your current role(S) within ssar? Have you had a different role previously?
I am an active GSAR (Ground Search and Rescue) volunteer and I am also part of both the Winter Response Team and the Rope Rescue Team. Recently, I took over the role of the Winter Response Team coordinator, which I really enjoy. As for the Rope Rescue Team I am a Level 2 rope technician, which basically means I can conduct a rescue with a stretcher on vertical rock faces.
Why did you join?
I have always wanted to help people who are stranded in the mountains, but didn’t know much about rescues in BC. Five years ago, I broke my leg in the backcountry while skiing and was rescued by SAR. I will never forget how I felt being rescued by those amazing volunteers – and I joined SSAR a few months after!
What’s the number one thing you’ve learned since you joined?
Since I joined SAR I’ve learned that there are a LOT of different ways that you can get stuck in the mountains! Some are unlucky, some are unprepared, and some are pretty creative!
What’s Your favourite season?
Winter! My favourite thing is skiing to a hut with friends to spend the night, and wake up the next day in the mountains.
Favourite Outdoor Activity?
I love backcountry skiing. I love the feeling of exploring and making your own track up a mountain as well as feeling so small around beautiful, white mountains.
Favourite Trail/feature?
My favourite backcountry trip was when we traversed Garibaldi Park on skis, all the way from Mount Currie (Pemberton) to Red Heather (Squamish). The terrain is breathtaking over there!
what’s your favourite SSAR memory?
Being lowered into a crevasse as part of our training. It was intimidating and exciting at the same time! I had never done something like that before. I could even hear the glaciers cracking….
what three things do you always bring on an outdoor adventure?
I always bring a headlamp, layers, and water. When I have a little extra room in my pack I’ll bring a crepe pan and some Nutella.
What’s the number one thing you want people to know about Search and rescue or outdoor preparedness?
I would really recommend to always think about communication. If something happens to you, how and who would you call for help? Would you need a phone, a GPS device, a radio? If you don’t have cell reception (and don’t have a GPS device), how far will you have to go in order to make a phone call? My point is that having good communication makes a huge difference in the rescue. It will make things go faster and smoother.
Our thanks to Laure for her dedication to Squamish Search and Rescue!