SEARCH & RESCUE

MCSA Mountain Search and Rescue (MSAR) provides an effective and efficient volunteer search and rescue service free of charge to those in need of assistance. MSAR team members are all trained in various aspects of mountaineering, first aid and technical rope rescue. Training is carried out throughout the year and members work closely with other organisations including South African Air Force (SAAF), Off Road Rescue Unit (ORRU), South African Police Service (SAPS) and other emergency services.

Our specialist fields of expertise are technical rock-face rescues and mountain searches. Active mountaineers and rock climbers are invited to contact us. Note that we do not teach mountaineering or climbing skills, but rather train members in adapting their existing skills to become safe and competent rescuers. Should you be interested, please contact us for details.

** When contacting MSAR please specifically state that you are calling regarding a ‘Mountain Rescue Emergency’.

Mountain Search & Rescue recognizes that the well-being of the patient and/or missing person is paramount and this is the guiding principle governing all rescue operations. It therefore undertakes to:

• Provide an efficient and effective call out system to ensure that adequate resources (manpower and equipment) are made available for an operation to be carried out.
• Maintain and continuously improve its skills by ensuring that its team members are trained in terms of nationally and internationally accepted standards and practice.
• Assist and support all those authorities who have statutory obligations with respect to searching for and/or the evacuation of missing, sick, injured or dead persons, as well as any other authority or voluntary organisation wherever its expertise, experience and/or availability of resources (manpower and/or equipment) can be of assistance.
• Ensure that its members adhere to a code of ethics and conduct and that it will be responsible for the discipline of its members.