SAR Alberta Disaster Response
Search and Rescue (SAR)
Search and Rescue (SAR)
Search and Rescue (SAR)
Our 32 highly skilled volunteer SAR teams are ready to respond to any request for search, rescue or recovery. We work closely with responding agencies to provide the best possible service for those in need. We are never self-activated and must be tasked by an authorized agency such as the RCMP, fire department, EMS or a municipality.
Disaster Response (DR)
Search and Rescue (SAR)
Search and Rescue (SAR)
From around the province, our mission ready groups are dedicated to responding to disasters. This disaster response group receives special training and is equipped with the latest technology to minimize risk and respond safely. When tasked to a disaster, our goal is to depart within 30 minutes, from all over the province.
Get to know our SAR teams
SAR Alberta
SAR responders exemplify unparalleled professionalism and expertise, consistently demonstrating their unwavering commitment across the province. Trained to the highest standards, SAR responders possess the technical skills, operational knowledge and field experience necessary to respond effectively to a wide range of emergencies, from natural disasters to complex search operations.
Stats Snapshot
- 32 teams in Alberta
- 1400+ volunteer SAR members
- 150,000 hours volunteered in 2024
- Responded to 470 requests in 2024
Why SAR DR
Unified Approach
SAR responders work hand in hand with local authorities, emergency management teams, municipalities, provincial and federal organizations. This ensures a unified and efficient approach to disaster response which has contributed to saving countless lives and communities since 2023.
Independent VHF Radio Communications
Independant VHF radio communications helps to reduce overall incident radio traffic and can replace digital radio communications in cases of infrastructure damage such as occurred in Jasper when the Alberta First Responders Radio Communication System (AFRRCS) tower stopped operating.
Independent Command Structure
Our independent command structure can be used to:
○ Enhance local incident command posts (ICP)
○ Enhance local emergency communications centres (ECC)
○ Enhance local emergency social services (ESS)
○ Deliver a large number of strike teams or task forces
Scalable Mutual Aid
SAR Alberta's proven provincial mutual aid system offers scalable responses from single specialized resources, strike teams or task forces to large regional or provincial responses, as required. Expertise in multi-operational period large scale responses.
Geomatics
SAR Alberta has an extremely experienced team of GIS members who are able to collaborate with the designated ICP / ECC to develop a GIS plan and oversee the execution and documentation of evacuation notices and orders such as was utilized with high success during the 2024 Jasper wildfire.
Mobile Command Posts
SAR DR is a cost effective highly efficient initial response resource that comes equipped and is self-sustaining. We have the ability to coordinate and provide experienced and equipped resources for:
○ Rapid initial response
○ Extended operational periods
○ Internal logistics and resource replenishment
Contact Us
Reach out anytime by calling 1-888-999-3822 and ask to be connected to the "SAR Alberta disaster response coordinator" or by emailing us directly at ecc@saralberta.ca The disaster response coordinator will complete a resource request form and provide the next steps to include resource availability and more.