Join Prince George SAR
Do you want to be a part of an organization that makes a real impact in the community? PGSAR is the perfect fit for adventure seekers and administrators alike.
The 2024-25 intake of our Ground Search and Rescue course has closed.
Ground Search and Rescue (GSAR) training happens on Wednesdays beginning in September, running through to the early Spring, including one weekend every month, on average.
GSAR training is developed and coordinated by the Emergency Management Division of the Justice Institute of British Columbia (JIBC). The training is standardized province-wide. This means that the training a volunteer receives in one community can be transferred to another. The basis for all SAR training is the GSAR course. This course is a minimum of 75 hours, but most communities (including Prince George) have expanded the course to about 100 hours. This ensures that the extensive material is adequately covered, that the students have the necessary practical experience, and that regionally significant issues such as avalanche rescue are included.
The GSAR course provides an overview of all aspects of GSAR and in-depth coverage of the basic skills required, such as map and compass. In addition to the topics in the GSAR manual, volunteers with PGSAR are expected to complete an eight-hour first aid course and participate in a six-hour mock search and an overnight Snow cave exercise. Once a volunteer is certified in GSAR, he or she may take further training and become certified in a variety of different specialties like rope, swiftwater/ice rescue, tracking, or avalanche. Many of these specialties also have increased levels of training, proficiency and leadership.
Application
Before applying, please read the following information
Applicants must:
● be 19 years of age or older
● be in good physical condition and able to safely be outdoors
● have no criminal record. A valid criminal record check must be provided.
● have a valid minimum Level 1 Occupational First Aid, or be prepared to take
● have personal equipment that will allow safe operation in the outdoors for at least 24 hours
● be willing to attend an interview
It is crucial for individuals to be aware that ongoing training is expected over the years to keep skills up and build trust and rapport within the team, through regular Wednesday evenings, occasional weekends, and sometimes other weekday evenings depending on the specialized teams or committees the individual choosesto join.
Team members must be prepared to respond to call-outs at various times throughout the day, night, and weekends. While it is not required to attend every call, members should have flexibility to make a good number of them.
Active engagement in committees, task forces, and general meetings is encouraged. A minimum commitment of 50 hours per year is mandatory, but higher is anticipated.
If you are unsure if you meet any of the above criteria but are still interested in supporting PGSAR, please contact us.
