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Urban Search and Rescue Program

Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) is the capacity to rescue victims from major structural collapse or other entrapments. It can range from lightly equipped teams to self-contained, fully mobile Heavy USAR teams.

With PSEPC’s leadership and guidance, the cities of Vancouver, Calgary, Toronto and Halifax, as well as the province of Manitoba are developing Heavy USAR teams intended to deploy, when needed, anywhere in Canada. PSEPC also supports a complementary range of local capacities for Light and Medium USAR, currently in 41 other urban centres across the country.

Our USAR program deals with the following priorities:

• Standardized tools and equipment for Light, Medium and Heavy USAR
• Practical guidelines or national standards (where required)
• Plans and operational protocols for the National Emergency Response System
• Training in technical skills and joint operation
• Exercises to improve capability and develop interoperability

Funding of $20 million over six years and $3 million ongoing was allocated in the December 2001 Federal Budget to develop a national Heavy USAR capability to address all hazards.  The cost of USAR development is shared with provinces and territories through the Joint Emergency Preparedness Program (JEPP). Since then, the federal government has committed more than $8.7 million to USAR projects through the JEPP.