Article sponsored by the University of Regina.
Although planning for any kind of outdoor activity in the wilderness is important to stay safe, the situation can quickly unravel. That’s when Search and Rescue (SAR) volunteers, trained and ready for the worst, step in to bring explorers back to safety.
Whether by land, sea, or air, these dedicated personnel are always prepared for a rescue mission. But how does the constant exposure to danger—whether from accidents, treacherous terrain, or natural disasters—impact their mental health? SAR volunteers often face life-threatening situations when responding to calls for lost or severely injured individuals. With natural disasters like wildfires and floods becoming more frequent, SAR volunteers are increasingly pushed to their limits. The challenging environments they work in expose them to extreme risks, which can lead to significant stress and trauma. In some cases, this stress can be overwhelming, leading to long-lasting mental health challenges if not addressed.
The mental toll of these experiences is real and often underestimated. Without proper support, the relentless exposure to trauma can leave deep scars on those who dedicate themselves to the safety of others.
Unfortunately, data on mental health and post-traumatic stress injury (PTSI) rates among SAR volunteers are limited, creating a ripple effect that hampers effective response. The true scope of the mental health challenges remains unclear. Without a clear understanding of the issue’s magnitude, securing the necessary resources for support becomes difficult. Moreover, without insight into the psychological toll on volunteers, it becomes challenging to identify the most effective solutions to ensure their well-being. This gap in data leaves SAR volunteers vulnerable as the mental health resources they need remain out of reach or limited.
A Research Study to Foster Better Support for SAR Volunteers’ Well-Being
To address this lack of information, the University of Regina has partnered with the Search and Rescue Volunteer Association of Canada (SARVAC), the Civil Air Search and Rescue Association (CASARA), and the Canadian Coast Guard Auxiliary (CCGA) to conduct a nationwide and anonymous study: Assessing Posttraumatic Stress Injury Symptoms Among Search and Rescue Volunteers. This initiative, supported by Public Safety Canada through the Search and Rescue New Initiatives Fund, aims to gather feedback from SAR volunteers across the country. The information gathered will be vital in assessing how these experiences impact the mental and physical well-being of SAR volunteers. Participation, whether you currently have symptoms or not, critically contributes to helping those who do or will have symptoms.
“Mental wellness continues to be a top priority for SARVAC and our ground search and rescue teams across Canada. This survey is a key step in determining what resources will be most beneficial for all of our volunteers, and your input on this important initiative is greatly valued.”
– Janelle Coultes, SARVAC President
The University of Regina’s mental health research team, experienced in studying the relationship between exposure to potentially psychologically traumatic events, other stressors, and mental health, has designed this survey to provide an anonymous platform for SAR volunteers to share their experiences. The survey invites participants to reflect on their mental health, which may be difficult at times, but every response will contribute to a better understanding of mental health challenges within the SAR community. The greater the participation, the stronger the collective voice will be in fostering improved mental health support for SAR volunteers.
Are YOU a SAR Volunteer?
If you are a current or previous SAR volunteer, you are encouraged to participate in this independent study. As a member of the search and rescue service, your experiences are immense and can have an enormous impact on your mental health.
A team of researchers will work with Public Safety Canada, SARVAC, CASARA, and CCGA to analyze and share the results, helping to shape future mental health initiatives for SAR personnel across Canada.
“By participating, Canadian SAR volunteers are paving the way for SAR personnel nationally and internationally as there is limited information on SAR volunteers in Canada and globally.”
– Dr. Katie Andrews, University of Regina
We value your contributions, even if some questions may not seem directly relevant to your specific role. Every experience in your role matters to us, and we strongly encourage your full participation. By doing so, you will help us better understand and support both your mental health and that of your peers SAR volunteers across Canada.
If you wish to access the survey, follow this link: Search and Rescue Survey (qualtrics.com)
