Volunteer

Brandon Regional Search and Rescue Association (BRSARA) is always looking for enthusiastic and dedicated volunteers ready to serve as part of an integral team of Ground Search and Rescue responders!

As well as meeting the requirements set out by BRSARA/SARMAN for membership, all volunteers must be willing to commit to an integrity-based set of expectations. These expectations are demonstrated both as a team member representing BRSARA, as well as through a willingness to be accountable for proficiencies as a Search and Rescue volunteer.

Expectations

BRSARA members demonstrate their commitment through participation in presentations, fundraising events, and group training sessions. Volunteers are respected for these qualities by authorities who call on the team for a reliable Search and Rescue response.

As a volunteer you are expected to be accountable for your training by completing the requirements set out by BRSARA, regularly attending group training sessions held once every month, maintaining skills, and communicating honestly your limitations and abilities. This group relies on teamwork, co-operation, and clear communications between individuals with an understanding that every member’s primary responsibility is for their own safety first.

Quick response time when BRSARA is contacted for a mission requires volunteers to be prepared, to remain in a state of readiness. Volunteers are expected to respect the Code of Ethics/Conduct of the GSAR organizations involved in a search and must be professional in their communications to those in authority, search team members, or any person involved.

Requirements

The following is a list of requirements that must be current and/or within a reasonable expiration date, and are necessary to submit/indicate with original certificates during the application process:

• Over the age of 18 and in good physical condition
• Valid Class 5 Driver’s License (with the ability to travel safely in all seasons)
• Criminal Records check (renewed yearly)
• Vulnerable Persons check (renewed yearly)
• Child Abuse check (renewed yearly)
• Current Standard First Aid with CPR C

The following additional requirements are necessary in order to be considered an active Search and Rescue volunteer. You must be willing to fulfill these requirements in a reasonable time frame:

• Obtain Ground Search and Rescue – Basic course through OFC
• Obtain Ground Search and Rescue Winter Survival course through OFC
• Be willing to participate in additional training opportunities (both monthly training expectations as well as any additional opportunities as needed)
• You must purchase and maintain essential clothing and equipment, including your own 24-hour survival pack which is required for all events, both training and rescue.

Application Process

Thank you for reading through the expectations and requirements posted above!

If you have decided this opportunity is great fit for you, then please contact BRSARA using the Contact page of this website, including your email address and your phone number (we will contact you by email unless you request to be contacted by phone).

After receiving your request, we will respond with a Volunteer Application form. Please return a physical copy of this form to the address as indicated at the top of the form, along with a cover letter and three professional references. If the application is approved, you will be contacted for an interview. Please bring originals of all required certificates, including criminal record check and proof of Standard First Aid with you to the interview.

Thank you for your interest in BRSARA!