Bush Search and Rescue uses Garmin eTrex GPS units.  

NOTE: These have now been superseded by the Garmin Vista HCx

Some quick hints for using these are:

We are now Bush Search and Rescue Victoria  following a vote to comfirm our name change from Bushwalkers Search and Rescue.

Our name is also shortened to "Bush Search and Rescue" for common usage and elsewhere on this site.

We are also developing a new logo to match our new name.

Bush Search and Rescue's annual Steep Snow and Ice Practice was held on Mount Buller's West Ridge on the 19 & 20 July 2008.

Bush Search and Rescue Victoria regularly participate in searches for missing people.  Recent searches are described in the articles listed under the Searches menu item on the left and on the map below.

Map of recent search locations

2013 Training

BSAR holds an annual training weekend, a steep snow and ice weekend and, as required, specific training days for equipment familiarisation or new search procedures. 

Bush Search and Rescue Convener: Peter Campbell at convener@bsar.org or 0409 417 504.

Correspondence:

• Email: convener@bsar.org
• Mail: Bush Search and Rescue, P.O. Box 1007, Templestowe, 3106.

General Inquiries: inquiry@bsar.org

• Low technology keeps going when high technology fails
• Nothing is certain!
• BSAR members are able to adapt either themselves or other equipment to achieve the task at hand
• The weather is always foul or on its way to becoming so
• A search is always conducted in the most rugged part of Victoria
• A search will always be on the corner of four map sheets
• Radio communications are likely to be poor or non existant

Mike Tegg FVWC S&R FO 1990

Rik Head BSAR FO 2003

Bushwalkers Search and Rescue is from time to time involved in searches for people with psychiatric or other medical conditions that can effect behaviour, who are missing in remote bush areas. Such conditions include schizophrenia, depression, autism and the intellectually impaired.

GPS Guide for BSAR (pdf).  A guide to BSAR searchers on the use of the new Garmin Etrex HCx units. The guide also provides background information on using GPS units - including the appropriate selection of Map Datums and Position Formats. 

This technique is suitable for use in areas along tracks and roads where there is very dense bush. The theory behind the technique is that if a searcher cannot penetrate the bush beyond a certain point then neither can a lost person hence the area beyond can assumed to be searched. It was found to be very effective in the dense bush at Tanjil Bren in the recent search for 29yo Ben McFarlane who was lost in the area.

The technique for probe searching is: