The BCSARA Board is pleased to announce funding has been approved for a 2 year project under the Search and Rescue New Initiatives Fund (SAR NIF).

The Ground Search and Rescue response assessment and decision making support project will develop and supply field usable assessment tools, training, and safety promotional materials specific to SAR.

The SAR New Initiatives Fund (SAR NIF), was established by the federal government in 1988, and is managed by the National Search and Rescue Secretariat (NSS). SAR NIF provides annual funding for new projects (or initiatives), that will improve the National Search and Rescue Program.

Our thanks to the National Search and Rescue Secretariat  for their continuing support!

- Don Bindon, President

The post BCSARA Successful with NSS NIF Funding Project appeared first on BC Search and Rescue Association.

We’ve received a few inquiries for details about the National SAR Secretariat’s SARScene national SAR conference being co-hosted by BCSARA.  We are told that the funding request is with Defence Minster MacKay and will hopefully be approved soon.

We are tentatively planning for October 18-21 in Kelowna and as soon as more details are available we will post them.  You can also watch for announcements and more details at the SARScene web site: www.sarscene.ca

The post SARScene Update appeared first on BC Search and Rescue Association.

Powell River Search and Rescue have partnered with First Credit Union & Insurance to help them raise funds for a new rescue vehicle. If you “like” the credit union page, the will donate $5 to Powell River SAR.

https://www.facebook.com/firstcugroup

The post Help Support Powell River SAR appeared first on BC Search and Rescue Association.

April 21 to 27 is National Volunteer Week in Canada.

BCSARA would like to recognize the dedication of the approximately 2500 SAR volunteers serving in 80 groups in communities throughout British Columbia. These dedicated people performed over 1200 tasks (searches or rescues) for over 1600 lost or injured individuals in 2012/2013. Their commitment and community spirit is clear through the thousands of person-hours they give every year in order to maintain their training and equipment to respond when they are needed.

The post National Volunteer Week appeared first on BC Search and Rescue Association.

Don Bindon President of BCSARA and Jeff Cornell Program Manager Emergency Management Division signing agreement

The British Columbia Search and Rescue Association (BCSARA) is pleased to announce that in cooperation with the Justice Institute of British Columbia (JIBC) a ‘Introduction to Search and Rescue in British Columbia Course’ will be available on-line to all SAR volunteers and agency staff without fee effective April 01, 2013. A link to the course will be communicated at that time.

This course assists in addressing one of the challenges identified through the Leveling the Playing Field regional workshops, specifically the need for information on the overall SAR delivery model and support structure in the Province. The course can also be used to provide an overview for new Ground Search and Rescue (GSAR) and agency members.

We would like to acknowledge the financial support of the Government of Canada for this project through the Search and Rescue New Initiatives Fund (SAR NIF), and the assistance of the National Search and Rescue Secretariat.

The post Introduction to SAR in BC Online Course appeared first on BC Search and Rescue Association.

Whistler SAR Can’t land a single engine helicopter at the medical clinic in Whistler. Instead they have to fly to the heliport, transfer to an ambulance, and drive the patient to the clinic.

This editorial in the local Whistler newspaper, the Pique, provides more detail on the issue. In cases where the subject of a search is gravely injured, the delay from transferring the patient at the airport before driving to the hospital can be life threatening.

The post Whistler SAR Helicopter problem appeared first on BC Search and Rescue Association.

The British Columbia Search and Rescue Association (BCSARA) is seeking representation from the Search and Rescue and business community in British Columbia and invite individuals to submit an Expression of Interest as outlined below.

The newly created Fundraising and Public Relations Committee will be made up of Search and Rescue volunteers and representatives from the business community consulting in a cooperative spirit to identify, plan and implement fundraising opportunities consistent with the goals established by the BCSARA Board of Directors. Further, the Committee’s mandate will include raising the profile of the BCSARA through education of BC residents, companies and other organizations about BCSARA and the Search and Rescue service in British Columbia. The Terms of Reference for the committee are posted at www.bcsara.com.

The committee meeting schedule will be established by the committee at a meeting scheduled for March 9 and 10, 2013 in the Vancouver area. Meetings will generally consist of conferences call, with on‐going work assigned out to committee members. As well, committee members will work with the Finance Committee to ensure proper stewardship, controls, and reporting mechanisms related to fund raising initiatives are developed and implemented.

Expressions of Interest should contain the following information to be considered;

• name
• contact information: phone, email, mailing address
• SAR affiliation: SAR group, current status (if applicable)
• experience in SAR: years of service, training, positions held (if applicable)
• experience and knowledge in fundraising and marketing
• business background (formal and work experience)
• any other information you believe is relevant to the position

Expressions of Interest can be forwarded to treasurer@bcsara.com by February 20, 2012. All Expressions of Interests received will be considered, selection will be made based on qualifications and specific expertise. While some applicants may be asked to join the committee in the short term a list of others who are qualified will be maintained should other opportunities arise.

All applicants will be advised of the results of their submission.

The post BCSARA Seeks Members for Fundraising and Public Relations appeared first on BC Search and Rescue Association.