Hi guys,

I want to become a volunteer for a SAR organisation. I have first-aid and CPR training (refreshed 2 weeks ago) and wilderness survival skills. I love the outdoors and i'm an experienced fisherman, hiker and snowshoeing adept.

The thing is that, I don't know which of two organisations I should volunteer to...!

The first group is purely local but has more members (50+), with more important financial resources, and is ran by a former state police officer. They have some K9 units and from what I know, this organisation is the first one that regular police call if they require some civilian assistance.

The second group is newer, and although they have smaller local units (20-25), they have branches all over the province. This organisation is more community oriented. They seem to volunteer on a regular basis during marathons, cycling, paddling and other community events to supply first-aid. I talked to the top manager and they said that they have better training when it comes to medical assistance : defibrilator, immobilizing people, this kind of stuff... I have a feeling this one is more open to volunteer implication, and I can see myself giving out survival preparedness presentations to members... <img src="/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

Any thoughts on how to select the best organisation?

Thanks!