Search and Rescue teams in Nova Scotia are manned entirely by volunteers. We are on call 24 hours a day, 365 days a year to respond to lost person incidents in wilderness and remote settings.
We are the only resource to respond when someone is lost or injured in the woods. Additionally, we can be activated during times of natural disaster to assist local authorities.
Regular attendance at training is important, and searchers train in search techniques, map and compass, radio systems, wilderness first aid, GPS, tracking, survival and more. Lost Person Behaviour and Search Management training are also important.
Not only are searchers important, there are a wide variety of position which need to be staffed to support the search effort. Drivers, radio people, computer operators and food services are all vital roles on a search.
Searchers are required to have their own equipment, and to be self-sufficient for 24 hours. Typically it is recommended to buy only the minimal required equipment and add to it over time.
Searching is physically and mentally demanding work, and we are often called out in the middle of the night, and in any weather. There also is nothing as rewarding a bringing that person home from the cold.
If you are interested in learning more about volunteering with Search and Rescue, please contact your local team.
2023 Statistics indicate that NSGSARA contributed in many ways to public safety in our Province:
- 1200 Volunteers
- 70 Searches
- 25,521 Searcher Hours
- 37,314 Training Hours
- 868 Prevention Hours including Hug A Tree and Survive Presentations
- 77,033 Administration Hours
- 22,297 Fundraising and Public Presentations