Kananaskis Country Public Safety Services
Ministry of Community Development 201 800 Railway Avenue Canmore AB T1W 1P1

Responsible for public safety in Kananaskis Country, Ghost and Waiporious areas. Program run by one internationally certified Mountain Guide and one speciality guide. Staff trained in all aspects of mountain travel all year to standards of Association of Canadian Mountain Guides, Canadian Avalanche Association, and Rescue 3. Responsible to respond to technical rescue in all terrain types in areas to all types of recreational users. Speciality in response is Helicopter Sling Rescue System (External D loads) to evacuate injuried clients and recovery for RCMP and Medical Examiner. Trained Emergency Response Institute Search Managers who coordinate with RCMP in overhead position for ground search. Directly respond and work cooperatively with all local volunteer groups for ground, air, cave, and water responses. Work cooperatively with local professional organizations: Parks Canada, Calgary Fire Department, and EMS units. Assist RCC with initial information gathering for overdue aircraft in area and respond to ELT transmissions. Use Incident Command system for all emergencies and disaster responses. Staff trained in Wilderness First Aid and several staff certified at EMR, EMT, and EMT-P level. Outreach preventive SAR to youth and adult groups in “Lost in Woods” programs, avalanche awareness, group management, and survival techniques. Publish a variety of winter, wildlife safety brochures, and seasonal trail maps. Winter program has a daily forecast avalanche awareness bulletin, active avalanche control, and avalanche rescue response responsibility. Have Alberta Government web site information on Public Safety in Parks and Protected Areas, Kananaskis Country. Staff includes twenty-three permanent Conservation Officers and six seasonal Conservation Officers. Kananaskis Country Public Safety Program founded in 1978.

Record last modified: 2006-10-17