Multi-agency response helps in search for missing child

Nugget StaffPublishing date:Jan 07, 2022  •  1 week ago  •  2 minute read 

It took less than an hour for a missing child to be discovered on Boxing Day after the child’s grandmother heard a yell in the distance.

The search involved members of Baysar Air Search and Rescue, the North Bay Police Service, Callander Fire and Emergency Services, District of Nipissing EMS, the Ontario Provincial Police, and the Anishinabek Police Service working together.

A news release issued by Baysar noted the child, considered a vulnerable person, was enrolled in Project Lifesaver through a referral from One Kids Place and funding from the Rotary Club of North Bay.

North Bay police received a 911 call from a family member of the child, prompting the multi-agency deployment of resources.

The child was missing in a rural part of Callander surrounded by bush and some swamps that at the time, were not fully frozen.

The first North Bay police officers arrived on the scene about nine minutes after the 911 call, along with Callander Fire and Emergency Services and paramedics with District of Nipissing EMS.

They were joined within a few minutes by an OPP officer, the North Bay police Emergency Response Team and an OPP K9 unit.

Baysar was requested to assist with the Project Lifesaver electronic search as the North Bay Police Service Electronic Specialists with the Project Lifesaver equipment were en route.

Members of the Anishinabek Police Service also responded in case they were needed.

“This truly was a multi-agency effort,” Stan French, president of Baysar, said in a release.

Shortly after arriving on scene, electronic searchers picked up a signal from the child’s Project Lifesaver transmitter. As police homed in on the signal, family members were searching known trails in the bush.

The child’s grandmother was the first to hear a yell in response to her calling the child’s name. Police searchers were nearby due to the electronic search.

The child was quickly assessed by EMS and transported to hospital.

“Thanks to a rapid response by all concerned a potential tragedy was averted and the child was released from hospital without major physical injuries,” French said.

From the time of the 911 call to the child being transported to hospital was exactly one hour.

“The time from the start of the Project Lifesaver electronic search until the child was found was just 19 minutes,” French said.

He said that although the child was found by the grandmother, Project Lifesaver proved its worth. The child’s transmitter provided a sufficient signal for tracking even though it had been immersed in water when the child was in a swamp.

“The North Bay Police Service has maintained a strong working relationship with BAYSAR and their group of dedicated volunteers,” Insp. Jeff Warner of the North Bay police said.

“During an urgent search for a missing person, this partnership allows us to deploy additional people to the scene quickly, dramatically improving our chances for a successful outcome.”

If anyone has a family member they think would benefit from Project Lifesaver, a referral can come through the Alzheimer Society, One Kids Place, or email BAYSAR directly at baysarnorthbay@gmail.com