Page 10 - Giv'er Miramichi Magazine - Spring Giver 2025

MIRAMICHI GROUND SEARCH AND RESCUE
Silent Heroes of New Brunswick

By Paulette Arsenault

Miramichi is a region known for its dense forests, provide valuable tips to the public on how to stay safe
winding rivers, and rugged terrain. While these natural while enjoying the natural beauty of New Brunswick.
features make it a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, they These initiatives are crucial in preventing emergencies
also pose significant challenges when someone goes and ensuring that residents and visitors are well-
missing. This is where the dedicated volunteers of prepared for outdoor activities.
Miramichi Ground Search and
Rescue (MGSAR) step in. This A Network of Support
team of approximately 60 Search and rescue in Canada is a
volunteers is on call 24/7, ready to collaborative effort. MGSAR is one
respond to emergencies involving of 9 teams in New Brunswick, and
lost or missing persons across a they often work in conjunction with
vast and diverse terrain. other organizations to provide
comprehensive search and rescue
A Vast and Challenging services. This network of support
Jurisdiction ensures that resources and expertise
MGSAR operates in one of the are available when needed, enhancing
largest search areas in New the effectiveness of rescue operations.
Brunswick, covering regions from
Boiestown to Neguac and Mount The Unpaid Professionals
Carleton Provincial Park to Despite the demanding nature of
Escuminac. This area is not only their work, the volunteers of MGSAR
extensive but also varied in its are unpaid. They dedicate time and
landscape, including dense forests, rugged hills, and energy purely out of a sense of duty and compassion.
numerous bodies of water. The diversity of the terrain The motto, “So others may live,” reflects a commitment
presents unique challenges, requiring the team to be to save lives and serve the community. These silent
well-versed in various search and rescue techniques. heroes exemplify the spirit of volunteerism and the
importance of community service.
Training and Preparedness
The volunteers of MGSAR undergo rigorous and Miramichi Ground Search and Rescue is a vital part
continuous training to ensure they are prepared for any of the community, providing essential services and
situation. Their training includes maps and compass, ensuring the safety of residents and visitors alike. Their
GPS, computerised mapping, survival skills, tracking, dedication, training, and community involvement make
first aid, and CPR. This comprehensive training regimen them an indispensable asset to New Brunswick.
ensures that the team can handle the physical and mental REMINDER: If you have a loved one who requires
demands of search and rescue operations. Additionally, constant supervision and has the potential to wander
they are trained in human behavior, which helps them contact MGSAR. Project LifeSaver might be of
understand and predict the actions of lost individuals, interest to you. Contact: infoprojectlifesaver@mgsar.ca
increasing the chances of a successful rescue. Miramichi Ground Search and Rescue membership
is composed exclusively of volunteers, women and
Community Involvement and Education men of all ages. MGSAR is always looking for new
MGSAR is not just about responding to recruits, if you are interested, please contact us at:
emergencies; they are also deeply involved in join@mgsar.ca
community education and safety awareness. They
regularly conduct outdoor safety workshops for kids and

10 www.GiverMiramichi.com spring 2025