Why is advocacy so important for the future of SAR?

Showing up and having a seat at the table is key for the continued growth of SAR in the United States.

Today, we talk to Jeff Sparhawk - Executive Director for Colorado SAR Association. With over 30 years of SAR experience and an education in law, Jeff has been instrumental in moving forward statewide Search and Rescue policies and processes.

Today's Guest

Jeff Sparhawk: Executive Director for Colorado Search and Rescue Association (CSAR), non-profit lawyer, SAR advocate

How can teams fund resource intense rescues? Should we be charging for SAR?

Teams have the drive, skills, and training to keep people safe in the outdoors, but all rescues cost money. When traditional fundraising methods - which are labor and time intensive - fall short, how can teams make up the difference? Today, we're talking about the future of SAR and getting creative.

Today's Guests

Scott Solle: Vice Commander of Grand County SAR (Moab, Utah)

Carrie Lee Gagnon: Executive Director of King County Search and Rescue Association (KCSARA)

Colin Williams: King County 4x4 Search and Rescue

What is a Family Liaison Officer and why is it an important role?

A family liaison officer can bring your team's professionalism to the next level - but what exactly do they do and how can you take the first step?

Today, we talk to Moose Mutlow - FLO for Yosemite SAR and author of "When Accidents Happen" - who is leading the charge on training FLOs. Moose tells us about his experience and how teams are evolving.

Today's Guest

Moose Mutlow: Senior trainer and family liaison officer of Yosemite Search & Rescue, Author, Instructor

Learn More at moosemutlow.com

How can teams best support subjects from populations with unique needs?

Is your team prepared to respond to a call to support an autistic subject? Or a subject with dementia? What about someone with other communication or sensory needs?

Today, we talk to Katie Schuelke to get important perspective on working with these special subject populations. Katie is working with Base Medical to develop a course that can bridge this gap and set teams up for success.

Today's Guest

Katie Schuelke: King County Explorer SAR, EMT, and Speech Language Pathologist

How do you intentionally build a strong team culture? And why?

Chris Ruch (VP of the Mountain Rescue Association and chief of Allegheny Mountain Rescue Group) discusses how culture can impact team performance, the importance of defining and assessing team culture, and the need for a shared mission. Together, we explore practical strategies for addressing conflict, ensuring safety, and fostering a sense of belonging within teams.

Today's Guest

Chris Ruch: MRA Vice President and Chief of Allegheny Mountain Rescue Group

What does it take to build a fundraising program that's effective and dynamic?

Kelley McIntosh from Mason County SAR in Washington have reinvented their fundraising program in the last few years. Between events like comedy night, turnkey programs like spare change round up, grants, and public outreach, they've diversified and increased their revenue streams.

We discuss how teams can kick up their fundraising efforts and build community relationships.

Today's Guest

Kelley McIntosh: Mason County Search and Rescue

How can teams implement a PSAR program that reaches a wide audience and offers value?

Today we talk about all things Preventative SAR including how it helps communities, emboldens teams, and leads to better outcomes all around. Helping to educate your community can help your team build connections and put hard earned knowledge to good use. But where to begin? Our guests share some advice.

Today's Guests

Anna Marini: PSAR Coordinator at Joshua Tree National Park

Meghan Twohig: Vail Mountain Rescue Group, Colorado Hoist Rescue Volunteer Team, and Marketing, Partnership, and Training CalTopo

How do different states navigate dispatch when it comes to Search and Rescue? And how will an amendment to a New Mexico law change the process and save lives?

Today we hear from Teal Harbin and Robert Garcia - who worked together to increase awareness and pass an amendment in New Mexico, which will streamline dispatch and bolster the state's SAR program.

Today's Guest:

Robert Garcia: NMSARC Chair, Field Coordinator, and Organ Mountain Technical Rescue Squad

How can teams navigate the emotional and mental challenges of working in Search and Rescue to ensure member retention and health?

Today, we explore the importance of discussions on responder mental health and what teams can do to recognize and manage stress injuries. From individual behaviors to systemic structures, there are many ways you can help your team to be resilient and supportive.

For more information on Responder Alliance: https://www.responderalliance.com/

Help is always available on the Crisis Hotline at 988.

Today's Guests:

Dr. Roger Mortimer: Fresno County SAR, National Cave Rescue Commission, NCRC delegate to the International Commission on Alpine Rescue
Jeff Tinnin: President of PNWSAR in Portland Oregon, part of the Emotional Resiliency team, Co-Founder of Disaster Response International