VAL D'OR, QUEBEC--(Marketwire - Sept. 20, 2012) - Participants at this year's National Search and Rescue Exercise (SAREX 2012) were called to action yesterday when Canadian Forces (CF) personnel were launched to search for a missing female.

At approximately 12:30 p.m., word was received from the Sûreté de Quebec that a woman had been missing since last evening.

"One of our CH-146 Griffon helicopters was sitting configured for a search and rescue training mission along with a crew, ready to deploy," said Major Shawn Duffy, Exercise Coordinator. "Once tasked by the Joint Rescue Coordination Centre, we departed the airfield. Upon arriving in the search area, the crew spotted someone waving an umbrella."

The Griffon crew landed their helicopter in an area nearby and a Search and Rescue Technician (SAR Tech) made his way to the individual, where it was confirmed she was the missing person. She was in a state of shock, suffering from exhaustion and hypothermia.

"The individual had been out in the heavy winds and rain that came through the area last evening," noted Major Duffy. "The decision was made to evacuate the rescued woman, and the SAR Tech was able to escort her into the Griffon."

The flight returned to the Val D'Or Airport, where the patient was transported by ambulance to a local hospital.

The CF are conducting SAREX 2012 in Val-d'Or from September 16-22, 2012. SAREX 2012 is a national exercise that is held annually, which allows the Royal Canadian Air Force to exercise its contribution to the National Search and Rescue Program. The goal of SAREX is to provide an opportunity for military training, facilitate liaison between SAR units and contribute to public awareness about interoperability with regional, provincial, national and international agencies.

For more information, please contact Lieutenant Andréa McKinley, Public Affairs Officer at 613 242 4728 or by email at: andrea.mckinley@forces.gc.ca.