Search and Rescue Regina

History

Search and Rescue Regina (SARR) by Bill Wood

In 1997 A.R.E.S. - Regina, then known as the Regina Emergency Communications Team, began discussions with the R.C.M.P. to offer assistance in their search efforts in the Regina rural area. The amateurs communications expertise, as well as the additional training received from the Regina emergency services over the years, provided this group of volunteers with the skills necessary to assist in search and rescue. Additional training would move the group to search leaders and expand their effectiveness.

The R.C.M.P. encouraged our volunteers to organize and train as a volunteer search and rescue group following the SARSAV model, the provincial Search and Rescue Saskatchewan Association of Volunteers. We extended an invitation to organizations such as the Ski Patrol, Canoe Club and other outdoor and recreational pursuit organizations, who have also expressed an interest in search and rescue, and assembled a group of approximately 25 members. The R.C.M.P. provided the training in Regina and we drew upon the expertise within the group for such areas as map and compass and GPS training.

In the fall of 1998 the combined group completed its training and formed a new organization called Search and Rescue Regina (SARR). The group continues its training on a regular basis and has been involved in three searches with the R.C.M.P. throughout the spring and summer of 1999. Twelve members of the SARR team are amateur radio operators and the A.R.E.S. Communications Truck is mobilized for each local search or training exercise.