Brandon Regional Search and Rescue Association 
Recently, Brandon Regional Search and Rescue hosted and Open House event to demonstrate types of activities we perform as a team. If you missed out on the Open House there are other opportunities to learn how to become a volunteer. Click on the Contact page to find out where we will be in the community next!
The Open House Feature was BRSARA member Leon and his K-9 partner Luke performing K-9 demonstrations. Chelsea Kemp from the Brandon Sun ran a Local editorial about this demonstration, featured in the Brandon Sun’s Monday, April 8, 2019 article titled, “Doggedly helping those in need“.
BRSARA members were on hand to answer questions and discuss several different topics including: Rope Rescue, Communications, Mapping, Compass and Navigation, AdventureSmart “Hug-A-Tree and Survive” program, First Aid, Ticks in Manitoba, Equipment, and more. As a BRSARA volunteer there is a wealth of skills and knowledge sharing, as well as practical experience you receive through training as part of our team! If you would like more information on how to become a volunteer, click on the Volunteer page of this site.
We would also like to send out a special Thank You to everyone who donated prizes for the event, and supporting BRSARA!
We look forward to seeing you there! To contact us for more information click on the image or poster links provided, or use the Contact link on this website.
BRSARA poster april 6 2019 – v2.0
On February 23, 2019, BRSARA members participated in the Coldest Night of the Year, providing First Aid support as needed. Hosted by Samaritan House Ministries, this important community event helps to support the homeless population throughout our coldest winter months. Thank you to all participants and volunteers!
2019 Event Details: https://cnoy.org/location/brandon
Outdoor Trip Planning? There’s an App for That!
The Search and Rescue Volunteer Association of Canada (SARVAC) launches signature AdventureSmart Trip Plan app to aid outdoor recreationalists to “Get informed and go outdoors”.
Canadians love the outdoors. According to Statistics Canada, nearly 7 in 10 Canadians participate in outdoor or wilderness activities every year, with hiking and backpacking being the most popular activity[1]. While this love of the outdoors plays a critical role in the health and wellbeing of Canadians, it can also create some problems. Each year there are approximately 15,000 search and rescue incidents and national search and rescue program partners provide assistance to over 25,000 persons lost or in distress.
AdventureSmart is a national prevention program that helps Canadians and visitors to Canada effectively prepare for their outdoor excursions. The Search and Rescue Volunteer Association of Canada, in partnership with Parks Canada, is pleased to announce the development of the new AdventureSmart Trip Plan App and it is now available as a free download for iPhones (on the Apple App Store) and Android (via the Google Play store). Developed with the knowledge and expertise that comes from decades of experience, the AdventureSmart Trip Plan App is a tremendous new aid for those heading outdoors, especially when it comes to the “Three T’s”:
Trip Planning – Let the AdventureSmart Trip Plan App walk you through a comprehensive trip plan, then easily share it with a responsible party, family or friends, with just a couple of clicks.
Training – Use the AdventureSmart Trip Plan App as a reference for outdoor survival tips, suggestions for appropriate clothing and additional information specific to your outdoor activity.
Taking the Essentials – The AdventureSmart Trip Plan App offers a handy guide to help with the essentials of any equipment list, including those specific to your chosen activity, season and location.
The AdventureSmart Trip Plan App incorporates a six step process to ensure the emergency contact(s) you choose have the detailed information of your trip, which can be provided to the authorities in case of emergency. That process provides a wealth of critical information, including time of departure and expected return, location and purpose of a trip, as well as names and contact information for all participants. While the trip plan is not monitored (and it is up to you or your emergency contact(s) to notify the appropriate authorities should you become overdue or in distress), the AdventureSmart Trip Plan App helps give recreationalists and search and rescue professionals essential information to assist in the response for your safe return.
ABOUT ADVENTURESMART
AdventureSmart is a national program dedicated to encouraging Canadians and visitors to Canada to ‘’Get informed and go outdoors”. AdventureSmart balances key safety messages with an individuals’ responsibility for safety and encouraging the public to obtain the knowledge, skills and equipment necessary for them to enjoy their outdoor pursuits. By being AdventureSmart, outdoor recreationalists make informed decisions, mitigate risk and ultimately reduce the number and severity of search and rescue (SAR) incidents. To learn more about AdventureSmart and to find more information on the AdventureSmart Trip Plan App, visit www.adventuresmart.ca.
ABOUT SARVAC
The Search and Rescue Volunteer Association of Canada (SARVAC) is a registered not-for-profit and educational organization that supports, coordinates, develops, informs, promotes and implements search, rescue and emergency response with the underlying principle of saving lives. To learn more about SARVAC, visit www.sarvac.ca.
FUNDING
The development of this app was funded through a Search and Rescue New Initiatives Fund program. The SAR New Initiatives Fund (SAR NIF) was established by the Federal Government in 1988, and is managed by Public Safety Canada (PSC), in partnership with other Federal, Provincial and Territorial SAR organizations. SAR NIF provides funding for projects that will improve the National Search and Rescue Program and address National SAR Program Annual Priorities.
SPECIAL THANKS
SARVAC would like to extend a sincere thank you to all of the volunteers which continue to make the AdventureSmart program and the development of the AdventureSmart Trip Plan App, a huge success!
[1] General Social Survey (Canadians at Work and Home), Statistics Canada, 2016
In honor of those whose lives are lost, those who served, and those who are here to continue serving. Brandon Regional Search and Rescue is proud to have volunteers who have devoted their careers to military service. Today, one of our members, Trevor Michelsen, is leading an around-the-world artillery salute to commemorate the 100-year anniversary of the end of WWI.
Brandon Sun – November 2, 2018
Source: Kemp, Chelsea. “CFB Shilo taking part in Armistice artillery salute.” Brandon Sun, 2 November 2018. Accessed online: https://www.brandonsun.com/local/cfb-shilo-taking-part-in-armistice-artillery-salute-499364911.html.
There is a special prayer in the hearts of Brandon Regional Search and Rescue for those who remain missing, and this is especially true for Amber McFarland and the 10 year anniversary of her disappearance.
In particular, this case was the spark that began the movement to create a dedicated GSAR team in Brandon to support communities and loved ones of those who are missing within our region. The search that followed to find Amber included a massive turn out of support by the Portage community, and was long and hard for everyone involved.
Robin, Brian and Paulette attended the vigil service for Amber held in Portage la Prairie, Manitoba, and were overwhelmed by how many people Amber touched in her life. The significance of our duty to help bring home those who are missing is evident by the outpouring of love and support that brings a community together. BRSARA honors Amanda McFarland by serving, so others may live.
Brandon Regional Search and Rescue Association 