The Search and Rescue Volunteer Association of Canada continues to enhance the training development and safety of ground search and rescue volunteers within Canada. The national Training curriculum standards for ground search and rescue operations: Searcher, team leader, and SAR manager (Z1625-16) has been developed and endorsed by all Provinces and Territories as a tool to assist Ground Search and Rescue (GSAR) trainers throughout Canada in curriculum and training development.
The ability to provide information and understanding of the above standard to GSAR volunteers is supported via a SARVAC Search and Rescue New Initiatives Funding(SARNIF) project.
The GSAR Associations for all Provinces and Territories have been given the opportunity to partake in a 2 day trainer development session (fall and winter 2017/18). The session objectives are:
- To encourage trainers to be creative in the development of GSAR training, utilizing available regional and national resources to enhance all training in order to develop a network of skilled and competent GSAR trainers
- To provide background and understanding of how CSA Z1625-16 Training curriculum standards for ground search and rescue operations: Searcher, team leader and SAR manager (Curriculum Standards) can assist trainers to enhance and develop training
- To provide an opportunity to work in group exercises applying curriculum design and development principles to GSAR training
- To provide an opportunity for trainers to discuss and propose action to address training challenges and opportunities within their province/territory
Information and access to the Training curriculum standards for ground search and rescue operations: Searcher, team leader, and SAR manager (Z1625-16) for GSAR volunteers can be found on the SARVAC Website or through individual GSAR Associations. For further information on the specific session details, contact Paul Olshefsky (709)-699-2756 or paulolshefsky@sarvac.ca.
The first session occurred July 29-30 in beautiful Grand Falls-Windsor Newfoundland and Labrador, hosted by Exploits Search and Rescue and the Newfoundland and Labrador Search and Rescue Association.
