Search and Rescue volunteers are regularly called upon to help with a variety of serious and emergency situations—from people missing in the woods, to helping police find evidence in serious criminal investigations.

President of the Newfoundland and Labrador Search and Rescue Association, Harry Blackmore says while boots on the ground remains the best tool in helping find missing people, technology is playing a bigger role in search efforts.

Blackmore says they’re now using drones with heat detection technology that has proven very effective.

He says in a recent search they set the drone to detect anything over 10 degrees in a heavily wooded area. He says the alarm went off and when they narrowed it down, they found three baby robins in a nest.

Blackmore told On Target – St. John’s that Newfoundlanders and Labradorians want to help, and volunteers for search and rescue are not hard to find.

The highly-trained members need supportive and understanding families, and lifelong friendships are often developed among team members.

They’ve even seen some marriages between team members, and they’re proud to welcome what he calls their first Rovers baby.