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Important dates
2022/2023 Intake
2022/2023 Application deadline: September 30, 2022
2022/2023 Extension/Course change requests: April 1, 2024
2022/2023 Course completion: May 31, 2024
2022/2023 Reporting document deadlines: June 30, 2024
Overview
The Ground Search and Rescue Program (GSAR) provides funding to support:
- increased training for technical rescue and ground search and rescue personnel
- increasing the skills and capability of technical rescue and ground search and rescue personnel
Key outcomes of the program include:
- increasing the capability of Alberta’s search and rescue communities to respond to ground and inland searches
- enhancing Alberta’s system for managing emergencies
For more information, read the most recent Ground Search and Rescue: Program Guidelines.
Funding
Grant allocation will be dependent on:
- the alignment to the objectives of the program
- the number of participating stakeholders
- the benefit to the region in terms of improving the safety system
Funding is made as a lump-sum payment for the eligible course, exercise or workshop.
Funding requirements
To receive funds, you, your group or organization must:
- have met all conditions of any previous grants that your group/organization received
- agree to cover any costs over and above the grant
- apply by the deadline by submitting an application, including any letters of participation and/or collaboration
Eligible entities
Eligible entities include Ground Search and Rescue and technical rescue groups/organizations serving Albertans that are affiliated with Search and Rescue Alberta.
Ineligible entities
Ineligible entities include:
- groups/organizations that do not have a current proof of registration under the Alberta Societies Act
- groups/organizations that did not meet previous years’ compliance requirements
Eligible project costs
The following courses and activities are eligible for funding:
Search and rescue leadership and management
Table 1. SAR leadership and management courses and activities
| Course Name | Course Description |
|---|---|
| 2-day Team Leader | SAR-trained and experienced volunteers learn the necessary management skills to lead and conduct the resources during a search. |
| 2-day SAR Search Manager Recertification | This refresher course focusing on initial response is a priority course. Teams in regions are encouraged to train together and to bring in their local police to participate in this course. Participation is limited to certified Search Managers. |
| Tabletop Exercise | Exercises focusing on SAR management in a regional or multi-team participation. |
| Provincial Exercise | Live exercise utilizing resources typically involved in SAR activities. This exercise has resources from across the province. |
| 5-day Search Manager | SAR trained and experienced volunteers learn the necessary management skills to lead and conduct a search. |
| Train the Trainer | Participants learn to teach the basic entry level search and rescue skills and theory. |
SAR skills
Table 2. SAR skills courses and activities
| Course Name | Course Description |
|---|---|
| All terrain vehicle or Utility Task Vehicle Safety Course | In accordance with Canada Safety Council Standard |
| Boating Course | In accordance with Canada Safety Council Standard |
| Snowmobile Course | In accordance with Canada Safety Council Standard |
| Man-tracking | Participants learn to use clues and evidence left behind by the missing person(s). |
| Global positioning system Training | As applicable to course, but application must include an explanation of the course required, number of attendees anticipated, and substantiation of the requirement. |
| SAR Searcher Course | Participants learn the basic entry-level search and rescue skills and theory. |
| Alberta Occupational Health & Safety Standards and Requirements | Participants learn to develop, introduce and maintain approved OH&S practices. |
Rescue skills
Table 3. Rescue skills courses and activities
| Course Name | Course Description |
|---|---|
| Wilderness First Aid | Basic and/or advanced course. Wilderness First Aid at the St. John’s Ambulance or Red Cross level includes a recertification for Basic First Aid/CPR/AED. |
| Swift Water Rescue | As applicable to course, but application must include an explanation of the course required, number of attendees anticipated, and substantiation of the requirement. |
| Rope Rescue | NFPA 1006 or British Columbia Cave Standard. Application must include an explanation of the course required, number of attendees anticipated, and substantiation of the requirement. |
| Standard First Aid | In accordance with the Red Cross or St. John’s Ambulance curriculum. See also Wilderness First Aid above. |
| Specialized Technical | As applicable to course, but application must include an explanation of the course required, number of attendees anticipated, and substantiation of the requirement. |
Ineligible project costs
Ineligible project costs include:
- capital or equipment purchases, upgrades or repairs
- training carried out before the minister signs the conditional grant agreement
- paid on – call volunteers in a capacity as an instructor
- student wages, travel, meals or subsistence
How to apply
Fillable PDF forms may not open properly on some mobile devices and web browsers. For help opening the forms, contact PDF form technical support.
Step 1. Read the most recent program guidelines
Step 2. Complete the application form
Step 3. Submit the application package
All applications must be received by the September 30, 2022 deadline.
Mail or email your application form and current proof of registration under the Alberta Societies Act to:
Provincial Search and Rescue Program
Public Security Division
Alberta Public Safety and Emergency Services
10 Floor, John E. Brownlee Building
10365 97 Street NW
Edmonton, Alberta T5J 3W7
Email: [email protected]
How applications are evaluated
Application criteria
Applications are evaluated on history of past training received, the detailed training plan included in the application and regional training needs.
There is an emphasis on teams working together in regions (as much as geography allows). Applications that benefit multiple stakeholders and provide maximum benefit to the Alberta public safety system will get priority.
Successful applicants
Applicants will be notified by March 31, 2023 whether their application was successful. To receive funding, the president and treasurer of the search and rescue group/organization must sign the conditional grant agreement (CGA).
After the Minister or their representative signs the CGA, training can start.
The minister’s decisions regarding grant funding are final.
Reporting requirements
2022/2023 Reporting documents are due June 30, 2024.
Use the GSAR Reporting Form to help fill out your reporting requirements.
Extensions and changes
Extension or change request period is now closed.
Contact
Connect with the Provincial Search and Rescue Program:
Email: [email protected]