Capabilities

The Provincial GSAR Network is capable of mobilizing a large number of personnel and equipment in a very short amount of time.  Resources from both the RCMP and the OFC are typically mobilized to support a Search and Rescue effort.

Volunteer SAR Teams from the local area are mobilized first and very often are first on scene at the local level.  Because of the diverse background of the Province of Manitoba GSAR Volunteer Network, volunteers bring a wide variety of training and experience to SAR operations.

Volunteers from the emergency medical field bring advanced levels of Emergency Medical skills, while members from the Fire and Rescue Service often bring advanced levels of training and experience in technical rope rescue, surface and swift water rescue, patient packaging techniques and Winter Survival training.

Canine capabilities for Search & Rescue operations are provided by the Policing Authorities as well as through members of the Provincial Urban Search & Rescue Team lead by the Office of the Fire Commissioner.  

The OFC presently has one canine Team consisting of Emergency Services Officer Ken Kroeker and his canine “Murphy Brown”.  Ken and “Murphy” respond to all search operations that the OFC is requested to attend.

Advances in technology have provided the OFC and its partners with many new tools to assist in the Management of Search operations.  These include, but are not limited to: 

• Global Positioning Systems (GPS) receivers and transmitters
• Geographic Information System  (GIS) mapping technology
• Infra Red – Thermal Imaging Cameras – Hand held & aircraft mounted
• Search Management software

• Radio Communication equipment

The OFC is well equipped to support any type of emergency incident with various types of off-road vehicles and a complete mobile camp capable of supporting any incident.

Should the need arise the Manitoba Track Share Team is always there to support a SAR effort by providing a large number of ATVs in a very short amount of time.  They have proved to be very a valuable, and appreciated resourse. 

The Civil Air Search & Rescue Association (C.A.S.A.R.A) is a volunteer based organization who donate the use of private or commercial air craft and trained spotters to support  Search and Rescue efforts.  C.A.S.A.R.A operates from bases around the Province, and also has proven to be a very valuable resource.  

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