Search and Rescue Volunteer
Search and Rescue (SAR) involves searching for and providing aid to people who are in distress or imminent danger.
In addition to Search and Rescue missions, Whitecourt SAR may also support other agencies during disaster response, such as floods, fires, train derailments and severe weather events. Whitecourt SAR trains monthly and holds weekend courses throughout the year to obtain and maintain personnel competency in addition to attending public outreach and education events.
Search and Rescue is a great way to volunteer in the community, to learn a variety of new skills, to tackle challenging problems and to build lifelong relationships with a like-minded group of people.
Volunteer Eligibility Criteria:
To qualify for basic membership, individuals must meet the following prerequisites:
- Be at least 18 years of age or older
- Demonstrate a genuine desire to serve the community
- Have sufficient availability to commit to involvement in a community organization
- Possess current standard first aid and CPR certification
- Provide a Criminal Record Check + Vulnerable Sector Check (Required for All Positions)
Operational Member:
Operational Members collaborate as a cohesive unit under challenging conditions and diverse terrains to locate, rescue, and administer medical aid to individuals in distress across urban, rural, and wilderness settings, regardless of weather conditions. Responsibilities encompass a wide array of tasks, including hiking, search operations, lifting, and operating various vehicles such as ATVs, boats, and snowmobiles. While no prior skills are mandatory, proficiency in beneficial areas such as knot tying, map reading, GPS navigation is advantageous. Successful candidates must demonstrate dedication, teamwork, cooperation with other agencies, ability to follow instructions, work with minimal supervision, possess effective communication skills, and skillfully assess risks while completing tasks safely.
Support / Non-Operational:
We seek individuals interested in contributing to non-operational aspects of our team. Opportunities include:
- Light equipment maintenance
- Data recording during events
- Fundraising efforts
Becoming a Search and Rescue (SAR) volunteer offers the chance to save lives, gain professional training in wilderness survival and rescue techniques, and build strong camaraderie with a dedicated team. It provides a profound sense of community service and purpose, helping people during emergencies.
Key Benefits of Becoming a SAR Volunteer:
Skill Development: Volunteers receive specialized training in tracking, rope rescue, navigation, radio communication, and medical care.
Making a Difference: Volunteers provide critical surge capacity to authorities, directly contributing to finding lost people and offering closure to families.
Camaraderie and Community: Volunteers work alongside diverse, highly motivated people, fostering strong connections.
Personal Growth: The role fosters leadership, decision-making under pressure, and increased confidence.
Professionalism: Search and Rescue Alberta and SARVAC offer structured environments to grow as a rescue professional.
Please email whitecourtsar@gmail.com if you would like more information.