The Wadena & District Search and Rescue could use a few extra hands to start off 2019.

In response to the need of volunteers, a search and rescue orientation was held at the Wadena Town Office on Saturday from 1-5 PM. People must be 16 years or older to join the search and rescue chapter in Wadena.

The orientation covered many different topics, such as search and rescue scenarios, physical health, mental health, and equipment. Wadena's search and rescue needs the volunteers due to a rise in activations.

"Since the spring of 2018, we've had nine activations in a years span. We are actually starting to face a little bit a burnout and we really need new people to come in and help take off some of the workload," said Pat Casement, President of the Wadena & District Search and Rescue.

In just under a year, the Wadena Search and Rescue Chapter has had more activations than in its 15-year history.