Search and Rescue in Newfoundland and Labrador

The RCMP (Royal Canadian Mounted Police), RNC (Royal Newfoundland Constabulary), and Canadian Coast Guard are the primary organizations that are deployed when there is a situation calling for Search and Rescue services in the province of Newfoundland and Labrador along with Gander's 103 Squadron (military).  These organizations often call on the services of the vast network of volunteer Search and Rescue teams.  Volunteer teams are registered with the Newfoundland and Labrador Search and Rescue Association (NLSARA), an organization that imposes quality control directives and provides teams with a central organization to promote teamwork and education throughout the province. 

The major advantage to calling out a civilian SAR team to help with an official search is the manpower available through the volunteer organizations.  A call-out can bring 20-30 trained volunteers to a search, a resource invaluable to the law enforcement authorities.  Volunteer SAR teams often have boats, ATVs, snowmobiles, radios and other equipment available.  Volunteers are trained in he latest search techniques, first aid, survival, map and compass, and various assorted technological aids to SAR.

In short, volunteers are a very important part of SAR in this province and represent fully 2/3rds of manpower in the field for SAR operations! 

Search Dogs in Newfoundland and Labrador

RCMP and RNC police dogs are often called into searches in this province.  These K9 units are RCMP trained German Shepherd dogs that that are used in many different roles, trained to do a multitude of tasks needed by police.  They are highly professional, useful animals that fill many different roles and can be called out for wilderness and avalanche SAR situations.  For more information on RCMP-trained dogs, please visit the RCMP Dog Fact Sheet. 

K9SARNL has three certified dog/handler teams (cert: 01 Jul 06) ready to offer services.  These dogs are trained to compliment RCMP police dog services and the already-existing SAR system by being highly trained in air-scenting techniques.

How does K9SARNL fit in with the already existing SAR systems?

Our team concentrates solely on Search and Rescue techniques.  Our main focus is on saving lives by providing the quick response of well-trained, reliable handlers and dogs who can search wilderness and avalanche areas hastily with a high degree of coverage.  We have trained and operated in such a way that our dog/handler teams can search right alongside ground SAR or police.  Each of our team members is required to belong to a GSAR team as well, and this provides an in-depth understanding by the dog handler as to what is needed and useful/efficient on a foot search.

Future plans:  We shall also provide dogs and handlers skilled in the detection of underwater remains, a service currently unavailable in this province and one that could provide law enforcement and other SAR teams with a valuable resource that could mean far less dangerous effort for the human participants in a water search situation.  This is part of our long-term goals that we hope to achieve as our membership grows.

When will K9SARNL begin offering services?

As of July 01, 2006 we have three certified dog/handler teams plus several other ground SAR members.  We are currently offering services.  Search Managers/Commanders may contact us for more information.