News

Alberta Regional Engagement Session Recap!

Earlier this week, representatives from Confederacy of Treaty 6 First Nations, several Alberta First Nations, SARVAC, and Holistic Emergency Preparedness gathered in Edmonton — on the traditional territory of First Nations and Métis, and covered under Treaty 6  —...

Role-Specific & Leadership Resources

📚 Role-Specific & Leadership Resources As part of SARVAC’s Indigenous Awareness Campaign, we’re offering leadership-level resources to strengthen cultural competency and support respectful, community-centered HWF deployments. This awareness also supports local...

Cultural Awareness Strengthens Search and Rescue Response

Cultural Awareness Strengthens Search and Rescue Response November 2–8 marks Treaties Recognition Week in Ontario— an opportunity for Ontarians, and Canadians more broadly, to deepen understanding and engagement with Indigenous peoples as part of the ongoing process...

Can you guess who’s who?

We’re proud to welcome back our re-elected SARVAC Executive! 🙌 Janelle Coultes – SARVAC President Guy Lapointe – SARVAC Vice President Bobbi Buchanan – SARVAC Secretary Jason Hudson – SARVAC Treasurer Although not everyone could be present for a photo opportunity...

2025 SARVAC Humanitarian Workforce Wildfire Operations Recap 

July 15 – August 29, 2025 More than 179 trained Ground Search and Rescue (GSAR) volunteers from across Canada answered the call to support wildfire response. Deployment Highlights Manitoba 107 responders 783 person-days Newfoundland & Labrador 88 responders 656...

Hypothermia Training for Rescuers

Are you looking to further your education on hypothermia and other cold injuries?  Are you in need of a refresher on how to properly diagnose and treat victims in the field who are suffering from such symptoms?  Then look no further!  The Baby It’s Cold Outside (BICO)...

SARscene 2016

SARscene 2016 will take place in Edmonton, Alberta at the Delta Edmonton South Hotel and Conference Centre from October 12 to 17, 2016. http://www.publicsafety.gc.ca/cnt/mrgnc-mngmnt/rspndng-mrgnc-vnts/nss/srscn-2016/index-en.aspx  

SARVAC and CSA develop GSAR Curriculum for Canada

SARVAC and the Canadian Standards Association are in the late stages of GSAR Curriculum for Canada. Currently the Curriculum (Z1625) is hosted on the CSA website and is available for Public Review. We invite all those interested to view and provide constructive...

Strengthening the Ground SAR Role in Canada

This weekend, Ground SAR Groups from the British Columbia Search and Rescue Association will have an opportunity to meet in Chilliwack as a part of a SARVAC project funded by the National Search and Rescue Secretariat New Initiatives Funding entitled: “Strengthening the Ground Search and Rescue Role in Canada”.

New Hug-A-Tree and Survive Video

Exciting news! SARVAC is pleased to launch a newly revised version of the Hug-A-Tree and Survive video which is now available on AdventureSmart.ca in both official languages. The new video incorporates the use of an emergency shelter, which is consistent with the...

Mabel Lake, BC – Missing Women

In the early morning of November 11th, 2015, Vernon Search and Rescue was called out to search for two missing women in the Mabel Lake - Kingfisher area, east of Enderby, BC, Canada. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yhvY5F8ncKM

Join Our

Newsletter

 

Every year, Ground Search and Rescue volunteers put themselves on the line to help those in need.
Sign up to get stories, updates, and ways you can support their lifesaving work.