Emergencies and rescue capability

Quttinirpaaq is one of the most remote parks in North America, and rescue services and facilities are very limited. Our staff are trained in first aid, patient stabilization and evacuation in nontechnical terrain.

Park search and rescue operations may be delayed by poor weather conditions, geography, aircraft or staff availability. For high-angle technical evacuations, assistance from outside of Nunavut is required.

To help us and yourself, please:

• Be self-reliant and responsible for your own safety.
• Have the required equipment, knowledge, skills and physical fitness.
• Consider the public safety information and advice provided by Parks Canada.
• Seek out additional advice from our staff if you are uncertain about what you may encounter.
• Follow the public safety registration and de-registration program.
• Be prepared for emergencies (medical, wildlife or weather related).

When will a search be initiated?

A search and rescue response will be initiated when a distress signal is reported or when a group has failed to de-register and an initial investigation suggests a group is overdue. In the case of an overdue group, a physical search may not occur until at least 48 hours after the de-registration date has passed.

Do not forget to de-register!

You will likely exit the park at Tanquary Fiord and should speak with Park Staff there. If you DO NOT see staff when you depart for Resolute Bay, you must call them using the satellite phone numbers you were provided upon arrival. Failing to do so, can place rescue staff in danger and make the rescue team unavailable for a real emergency.