About BRSARA

Brandon Regional Search and Rescue Association (BRSARA) is a non-profit organization comprised of a team of dedicated volunteers trained to provide Search and Rescue (SAR) resources to authorities in Manitoba such as Police, RCMP, and the Manitoba Office of the Fire Commissioner (OFC).

BRSARA members have experience in a variety of professional backgrounds, including a current, certified Search and Rescue K-9 team. In addition to providing Search and Rescue (SAR) resources, volunteers offer community services through programming and events.

Responsive

Thirty active volunteers plus two certified Search and Rescue K-9 teams (handlers and dogs) are available through BRSARA to respond to both urban and rural calls in South-Western Manitoba. Supported provincially by the Manitoba Office of the Fire Commissioner (OFC), and as a chapter of Search and Rescue Manitoba Volunteer Association (SARMAN VA), BRSARA members respond to calls initiated by Manitoba authorities to conduct Ground Search and Rescue (GSAR) with a united goal in finding people before they come to harm.

Trained

BRSARA volunteers are accountable for maintaining and upgrading their skills training and certification requirements. Recruitment expectations include Criminal, Vulnerable Sector and Child Abuse background checks; Standard First Aid; Basic Incident Command (ICS-100); and Ground Search and Rescue – Basic (GSAR Basic) through the Office of the Fire Commissioner (OFC).

Trained BRSARA volunteers include members with First Responder First Aid, Paramedics/Emergency Medical Responders, Water Rescue Technician, Heavy Urban Search and Rescue team members and GSAR Search Dog teams. Additional training expectations for all members include monthly group training exercises, Regional and Provincial exercises; plus additional courses in Advanced Wilderness First Aid, Winter Survival, Compass and GPS, and Team Leadership.

Our members take ownership of their skills and abilities by ensuring they are ready and able to serve so others may live.

Serving, so others may live

BRSARA volunteers are dedicated, not only to Search and Rescue (SAR) responses, but also to community awareness, safety and prevention programs. Trained members offer educational programming through AdventureSmart, which includes programs such as “Hug a Tree and Survive” for Kindergarten through to Grade Four students, and “Survive Outside” for older children and adults. Our members have served communities in Manitoba for over six years by promoting awareness and providing First Aid at events both within Brandon and events held outdoors such as at Riding Mountain National Park.