Rescue teams rise to the challenge

Professional training

"Outdoor sports enthusiasts generally know certain rescue skills, but most of the time these are self-taught and not standardized. Therefore, we also cooperate with some professional organizations to provide training courses for our team members," Peng said.

"For example, we have worked with the fire department in Beijing's Daxing district and teachers from the China University of Geosciences to acquire some field exploration knowledge. We also invite experts from certain industries to give lectures."

Zhang said BSR has a rigorous training system, and entry-level volunteers must take a 32-hour course and learn at least three basic skills: first aid, radio communications and rope techniques.

"Becoming a full-time volunteer who can go out on rescue operations requires a minimum 200 hours' service time and dozens of certifications, while being a key member requires 800 hours. And if you have more than 24 skill certifications, you can become a rescue expert," he said.

The certifications include water rescue, field search and rescue, use of equipment, and satellite map reading.

Meanwhile, BSR has been working with the China National Training Base for Urban Search and Rescue in suburban Beijing since 2009, and more than 1,000 members have benefited from the professional training.