Response Assessment and Decision Making Support (RADeMS) Project Backgrounder:
In 2012 the British Columbia Search and Rescue Association (BCSARA) submitted an application for funding under the Search and Rescue New Initiatives Fund (SAR-NIF) for the development of a SAR response assessment tool, training, and safety promotional materials. The objective to assist SAR volunteers to identify, and mitigate risk in an ‘all hazards’ approach supports the work of the SAR Volunteer Joint Health and Safety Committee co-chaired by BCSARA and Emergency Management B.C. (EMBC). The two-year project was approved by the National Search and Rescue Secretariat (NSS) in April 2013 with funding of $480,000 and an in-kind contribution of volunteer time of $102,000.
After sourcing a project manager (Neil Brewer), a risk management consultant (Ross Cloutier) was contracted to assist in the development of the tool. Ross used a collaborative approach working with subject-matter experts to develop several models that were subsequently fine-tuned after presentations to 16 SAR groups across the province. Development of on-line training in the use of the Response Assessment and Decision making Support (RADeMS) tool for SAR Leaders, production of the field ready tool and reference guide, development of a smart-phone app, and design and production of safety promotional materials has been completed. The material to be presented at this conference is the product of this work.
Location: Sheraton Vancouver Airport Hotel, 7551 Westminster Highway, Richmond, BC V6X 1A3 604-273-7878
Dates: March 20, 21 & 22, 2015
Draft Schedule:
Friday 2015/03/20
1900-2100hrs Welcome Reception (no-host bar).
Saturday 2015/03/21
0800-0900hrs Networking Breakfast* (gives time for local SAR members to travel in if required)
0900-0915hrs Welcome – BCSARA President
0915-1015hrs Presentation on New Funding Model followed by Q&A and/or panel
1015-1030hrs Break
1030-1200hrs Presentation on SAR Safety Program followed by Q&A and/or panel
1200-1300hrs Lunch*
1300-1630hrs RADeMS Workshop
- Overview
- On-line training
- Smart Phone ‘App’
- Group Exercises
1900-2100hrs Dinner* (Guest Speaker)
Sunday 2015/03/22
0800-0900hrs Networking Breakfast*
0900-1200hrs Meetings/training for specific groups TBA
*Meal provided.
By completing the following registration forms you will greatly assist in helping us plan the conference and optimizing the budget that is available. This is a rare opportunity to bring BC SAR volunteers together and I encourage SAR members to attend if at all possible. The original intent was to invite two SAR members from each of the 80 recognized SAR groups. Ideally a senior SAR member and a training officer.
I would appreciate a response by Jan 31st at the very latest.
Please complete the following forms for each attendee and save the document under your SAR group name and e-mail back to me. Please feel free to contact Neil Brewer either by phone or e-mail should you have any questions (contact info and registration forms located in the attachments)
Regards,
Neil Brewer,
Project Manager