[SaraHap] SARA Happenings -- August 2007

[Chris Hoare]

Hi All: 

This is a late version of our regular mailing, after the special issue of August 5th. SARA Happenings is issued to foster communication within the Search and Rescue community in Alberta. It is going to 328 e_mail addresses that are listed as the primary contact of SAR Alberta member groups or which were requested to be added to the mailing list.

Subscription and unsubscription information is at the end of the newsletter. 





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WHITECOURT - BASIC SAR SKILLS 

GPS, Map & Compass; SATURDAY OCTOBER 27TH , 2007 



Whitecourt Search & Rescue is hosting an EMA Grant-funded one-day (8 hr) Course for Basic SAR Skills for GPS, Map & Compass. 



contact Lisa Martiniuk, Training, lisrat at telus.net , for details.

Whitecourt Search & Rescue (780) 778-4866 or cell (780) 706-5268,  





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SARDAA JUNE NEWSLETTER 



The current newsletter is now available at the website - http://www.sardaa.ca 

Click the newsletter icon toward the end of the main page. 



-- Michelle L. Limoges

Search & Rescue Dog Association of Alberta udcdoberman at shaw.ca 





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FAMILY UPSET ABOUT SEARCH

The Editor noticed this in the Toronto Star of August 12th - another misunderstanding about the nature of professional Search and Rescue. If the news article is to be believed, the search was stopped and started again more than once. Anyone wanting to look at the full article can email the editor choare at shaw.ca for a copy.

I quote passages from the article:-

"The family of a Toronto woman who disappeared in the dense woods and rugged terrain of Northwestern Ontario is angry that they've been shut out of the search for her.

Late yesterday, the family was told the search was resuming last night and would pick up again this morning. By then, it was too late for Toronto-area family to make the long drive to the search area.

***

The civilian search resumed yesterday with about 100 volunteers organized by local municipalities aiding the estimated 80 OPP officers, before Natural Resources informed the civilian search team that they would need to leave the area at 3:30 p.m.

"We wanted to join so we can encourage the volunteer searchers," said (family member) Caguicla. "The OPP can't search everywhere, we want to be able to ensure the search is thorough and turn over every stone. 

"We have to consider the possibility she could be abducted, but without the volunteers we feel like the search won't be as thorough ... we're very happy they decided to resume the civilian search, but unfortunately we will not be able to be a part of it."



Editor:

This report makes it sound as if the search was poorly conducted but how much of that is due to the reporter's confusion? I'd suggest this is one more example of the need for trained local SAR groups, and for a proper communications set up with every operation to ensure not only that the search runs smoothly, but that everyone (including the press in a distant city) sees why decisions were made.





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SARA HAPPENINGS SUBMISSIONS 

Our regular publication date for mailings of SARA Happenings is the middle of each month. Please note that the deadline for material is the 14th of each month. 


Does your group have an event posting for the SARA Happenings mailing? If so, please send information 1_1/2 months prior to the dates you wish advertised. It will then give ample time for those reading it to respond. 

Please send all material to the editor; Chris Hoare at choare at shaw.ca PLEASE DO include contact information for members to gain further information.



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