A public tip and Shuswap Search and Rescue volunteers were instrumental in locating a person reported missing in Salmon Arm.
At 8:20 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 5, police received a call regarding the missing person, reported to be suffering from medical issues.
“The elderly female had left her residence on Auto Road SE and, despite the family’s efforts, the lady was not located,” said Staff Sgt. Scott West in a Dec. 6 media release.
RCMP contacted Shuswap Search and Rescue (SSAR), whose volunteer crew helped broaden the search effort.
West said at 6 a.m. on Dec. 6, police received a call from someone who reported a woman had been at their home the night prior.
The lead helped SSAR and police locate the missing woman.
“She was found cold and suffering from a few scrapes from falling in slippery conditions,” said West, adding the woman was checked out at hospital. “Special thanks go out to the Shuswap Search and Rescue volunteers who searched all night, and the person who called in the tip…as this was instrumental in locating the person in this case.”
The incident prompted West to share the following: “If after preliminary attempts, your loved one who has wandered away has not been located and there has been no contact, please contact the local RCMP to assist in your search for this missing person. Our local group of dedicated volunteers with Shuswap Search and Rescue are at the ready to assist….
“After calling 911, please have a picture and clothing description available for police as soon as possible to aid in the search.
“If someone shows up on your doorstep confused in any way about where they live, please call 911 so the police can attempt to assess the situation…”
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