Edmonton Regional Search & Rescue Association

Not your average Saturday
We were out at the Girl Guide Rally sharing skills, safety, and a bit of SAR spirit with the next generation.

Proud to represent ERSAR and help make the outdoors a little smarter, and a lot safer.

Tuesday, April 21, our amazing team was at the Sherwood Park Volunteer Fair, connecting with the community and sharing more about what Edmonton Regional Search and Rescue is all about.
We loved having the chance to talk about what we do, answer questions, and meet people interested in learning more about search and rescue in our region.

Thank you to everyone who stopped by to say hello.

Winter Layering Isn’t Just About Style, It’s About Staying Warm

Cold weather demands smart dressing! Layering properly helps trap heat, regulate body temperature, and protect you from harsh winter elements.

The key to effective winter layering:
🧥 Outer layer: Wind and weather-resistant protection for your skin (wool is a great option for this!)
🧶 Mid layer: Insulating pieces that hold warmth
🧥 Outer layer: Wind and weather resistant protection

When done right, layering keeps you warm without the bulk so you can move comfortably and confidently all winter long.

Stay warm. Stay prepared.

❓Who is ERSARA?
ERSARA (Edmonton Regional Search and Rescue Association) is a non-profit, charitable organization made up of highly trained volunteers who respond to ground search and rescue (GSAR) incidents across Alberta.
We operate 24/7/365, ready to assist when people go missing or emergencies occur.

⚠️ Important: ERSARA can only assist in searches when officially tasked by government agencies such as EPS, the RCMP, or local authorities. We do not self-deploy. This ensures coordination, safety, and accountability in every response.

🔍 What We Do
-Conduct ground and wilderness searches in rural, urban, and hard-to-reach areas.
-Provide search management, disaster response, navigation, first aid, tracking, and evidence handling expertise.
-Offer public safety education through AdventureSmart: helping families, schools, and outdoor enthusiasts learn how to explore safely and what to do if lost.

📣 Learn More
Visit: ersara.com
To learn more about our mission, membership, and community programs.
Together, we help bring people home safely. 💙

Heading out for a few hours, or a few days, doesn’t mean leaving safety behind!
Don’t treat your gear list as optional; it can save your life.

Before you hit the trail:
🎒Pack the essentials.
🤓Know how to use them (and practice).
🔦Don’t overly rely on tech, carry backups.

A good adventure is built on preparation.

Before heading outdoors, ensure you have the necessary knowledge and skills to stay safe.

✅ Take a course or learn from experienced adventurers.
✅ Know your limits — and stay within them.
✅ Preparation prevents emergencies.

Every safe return starts with the right training.
Be ready. Be smart. Be safe. 💪

Unfortunately, one of our members' vehicles was broken into on September 21st in the Parkallen neighbourhood. A significant amount of personal gear and Hill People equipment was stolen, including but not limited to: a chest rig (with name tag likely taken off), a large blue backpack with a first aid kit in a SARAB dry bag and a cooking kit with stove, gas and meals.

As volunteers, we are on call 24/7/365 and do not get paid for any of our callouts. Our members often purchase personal gear to utilize on search and rescue incidents, so this loss is felt deeply.

If you see any SAR equipment listed for sale, please contact EPS immediately.

With warmer weather comes more adventures! Join us for some outdoor safety this week, where we cover the 3Ts: Trip Planning, Training and Taking the Essentials.

🗺️The First T: Trip Planning
Before you head into the wild, make sure you’ve covered the #1 rule of outdoor safety: Plan your trip!

✔️ Know your route
✔️ Check the weather
✔️ Understand the terrain
✔️ Know your limits
✔️ Leave a trip plan with someone you trust

Whether it’s a day hike or a multi-day adventure, proper planning can make the difference between a fun memory and a dangerous situation.

Need help making one? Use theAdventureSmart Trip Plan App (link in bio) to make it easy and shareable!

https://www.adventuresmart.ca/the-three-ts/

WOLF Task Force: 2nd Annual Overnight Training Complete!

This weekend, ERSARA’s WOLF (Wilderness Overland Light and Fast) team completed our second annual overnight training exercise, and it was a success. 💪

Our team carried everything needed for two nights in the wilderness, navigated rugged terrain, and pushed our limits to simulate real-world SAR demands. Even more importantly, we gathered valuable data for how we can better locate missing persons in forested environments (research led by our very own Team Lead, too!) 📍🗺️

We are set up and ready to have a great day at the Love Local, Buy Local event held at the Jerry Forbes Centre for Community Spirit today until 3pm!

Stop by to shop local, connect with the community and learn about us and other organizations making a difference in Edmonton!