FAQ - membership

Volunteering with YSSR FAQ

How often do searches occur and when do they happen?

The YSSR averages about 4-8 searches each year (11 searches in 2007).

Callouts can happen at any time of day or night. In general there are more searches in summer than in winter. A search for a lost person is an EMERGENCY that can occur 24/7. We are seeking people who will PRIORITIZE it as such. If you are unable to leave work, school or have access to childcare on short notice then volunteering with GSAR is not for you at this time. Please contact us when your availability improves!

Highly Trained Unpaid Volunteers Key to Search and Rescue Operations Across Canada - The Canadian Press (news article).

What kind of searches do we conduct?

Our primary tasking is to assist Law Enforcement agencies with the search for lost persons. A lost person case is considered an EMERGENCY.

Law enforcement agencies occasionally request assistance with evidence searches. Evidence searches are generally not urgent and will be scheduled a day or two in advance - often for a weekend.

We are a ground search and rescue team. One of our members has a RCMP certified K9.

How long will a search last for?

Searching can often last for some time, even stretching into several days on occasion. They are split into shifts called "operational periods" usually about 8 hours each.

What if I'm really busy at work and can't make a search?

If you are unable to make it for a search that's no problem, as volunteers we all have personal lives as well. However to remain operational you must attend at least 2 searches in a 12 month period, this includes one of the many scheduled practice searches.

How do we know when there is a search?

YSSR maintains a data base with all member contact numbers (home/work/cell/text messaging). You will receive a recorded message with basic details about the search. You will be requested to identify your status as either "attending" or "not attending" the first operational shift.

How may I obtain updates on the status of the of the search operation?

Always call the YSSR information line  before leaving home for any updates. Callouts are frequently cancelled after activation (i.e. lost person is located by Police before Search & Rescue members have arrived). During non operational periods the Information line will contain reminders on up coming events.

Do I have to carry my gear with me?

Those members equipped with pagers are expected to carry the pager with them at all times. Your 12 hour equipment pack should be ready to go. Many of our members keep these in their vehicles for faster response time as we are expected to arrive at search scenes no longer than 60 minutes of activation. Sooner if possible.

How much does it cost to join?
All applicants are required to have a valid Standard First Aid course before making application. All applicants must pass the RCMP background check before YSSR can process your application (YSSR will arrange the background check after you fill out an application form). Annual YSSR membership is $20.

Do I need to buy any equipment?
You must provide your own clothing. You will be provided a list of items you will have to purchase. If you are a hiker or outdoors person you may already have many of the required items. YSSR provides compasses, radios and a limited amount of GPS units.
 
How much time will I have to put in?

The single biggest reason people leave any volunteer organization is because they cannot keep up the commitment required. It is vital you understand there is a significant commitment of time and effort when you join YSSR. After your basic training is over, there is regular training twice a month, at least one committee meeting a month, team fundraising events and routine administration tasks to be completed. The logged hours for 2007 ranged from 50 to 500 in our team, with the average being 170. And that's just the logged hours - there are untold efforts to keep the organization running smoothly that is not logged. We require PARTICIPATION from each member!

Where is the training?

Most training take place in Fredericton and surrounding area. The team occasionally travels to woodlots elsewhere in the region.

Do I need to have a vehicle?

While it would be very useful to have a vehicle to get to training and operations, you could get by without one.

Do I need to have internet access?

A very large part of our communications is done by email and on our web site. Critical messages are sent by pager and the Call out system. You could get by without internet access, but you would miss out on a lot of what happens in the team.

How fit do I need to be?

Search and Rescue is physically demanding. You will often be required to search in arduous terrain while carrying a heavy pack. If you get puffed walking up a few flights of stairs then this is definitely not going to be much fun for you! We don't do any kind of fitness testing or training - it's up to you to keep in good condition.

What if I've been out drinking and there is a callouts?

You must have full control of your faculties when at training or on a search. If you have been out drinking and there is a callout you must decide if you are fit to attend.

Do we get paid or reimbursed?

There are no paid positions in GSAR. For actual searches tasked by the RCMP we may be reimbursed for travel expenses to and from the search site. Our policy is to car-pool when going to searches and we only reimburse drivers if they have 3 or more people in their vehicle.

Are we insured for injury?

Yes, volunteers have basic coverage through the Province of New Brunswick. Make sure you sign in when attending official activities to ensure you are covered.

I can't make the New Members night ... can I still join?

New member nights are conducted 3 times a year (spring, fall and early winter). These information sessions are designed especially around the needs of a potential recruits. All the information you need in order to make a decision is available to you at that session. We prefer that you attend the next available session and get informed. The basic training cycle is scheduled to follow the New Members nights.

I need volunteer experience for my chosen career can I join YSSR to get this?

SAR teams are run by volunteers, recruiting and training take up a huge amount of our resources.  Please consider your reasons for joining our group, our training courses are an investment in you.  If you join us, you are committing to all the responsibilities of being a member.  We are a charity to help find lost people!

My dog is an excellent tracker - can I do K9 SAR with her?

NB Ground Search and Rescue Association and RCMP "J" Divison -
Civilian GSAR Dog Program Parameters: LINK TO PDF

What do I need to bring to New Members night?

If you proceed with an application you will be interviewed at the next general meeting. Bring your calendar.

During New Members night you can pick up a membership application.

For the interview, please complete and bring:
Application Form
Skill & Experience list
Waiver Form
Security Clearance Consent Form
Photocopy of Photo ID: i.e. your driver’s license, Passport, or Motor Vehicle Registration Photo ID
Photocopy of other ID: i.e. your birth certificate, social insurance card, or NB Health Card
Photocopy of your current First Aid Certificate

If you are not accepted to YSSR, we will destroy your information. If you are accepted then these items form the start of your personnel file.

I live outside of Fredericton - Oromocto, is that a problem?

Some of our current members live outside the greater Fredericton- Oromocto area, as far away as McAdam. As long as you are okay with the many events you will need to come into Fredericton for, then there is no problem. The vast majority of all our meetings, training and special events are in Fredericton. Your response time to searches is also something to think about.

My first aid certificate has expired - when must I have it renewed by?

In general we prefer you to bring a copy of your current certificate to your interview. If your certificate is currently expired please book a standard (16 hour) first aid course immediately through a provider. Get trained: Check local Red Cross Courses

Which type of first aid certificate do I require?

You need the standard first aid certificate from a recognized agency, which is a 16 hour course. If you have a higher qualification that's even better - but in all cases you must have the actual certificate. If you've lost it please contact your training provider who may be able to replace it.

For those of you who have read this entire FAQ and remain eligible for application and are willing to invest a lot of time to maintain and improve the YSSR team....we look forward to your application!