Blaine County Search & Rescue

Mission Statement

It is the mission of the Blaine County Search and Rescue to maintain a group of trained volunteers to be used as directed by the Sheriff of Blaine County. This group shall be trained to search for and rescue those lost or injured, or those victims of natural or man-made disasters in Blaine County, Idaho.

Operations

The Blaine County Search and Rescue (BCSAR) is a volunteer organization that operates under the statutory authority of the Sheriff. BCSAR is dedicated to helping people in need. BCSAR trains to national certified standards of NASAR and conducts various types of operations:

  • Search for lost or missing persons and avalanche victimsWinter patrol 3
  • Medical assistance and extraction of people injured in the backcountry
  • K9 Search Operations
  • Assists the Sheriff’s Office during natural disasters
  • Assist in criminal investigations and recovery of fatal accident victims

Additional DutiesRazor UTV

Additionally, Blaine County Search and Rescue provides logistic and support services for other rescue groups, local fire departments, Sun Valley Ski Patrol, heli-ski guides, and the Rescue Dive Team. During the Castlerock and Beaver Creek Fires, BCSAR members assisted the Sheriff’s Office with evacuations and road closures.

Members donate their training and operation time for the good of the community. It is this commitment to others that makes BCSAR one of the best rescue organizations.

Training

All training and operation time is donated by members for the good of the organization. BCSAR trains and certifies its members according to the National Association for Search and Rescue (NASAR) standards. There are three nationally certified search and rescue technician levels: SAR TECH III (beginner), SAR TECH II (intermediate), and SAR TECH I (Advanced).Snow Patrol

Specialized certified training is also offered in areas including:

  • Avalanche Awareness
  • CPR / AED
  • K9 Area Search
  • K9 Avalanche Search
  • K9 Cadaver Search
  • K9 Trailing
  • Outdoor Emergency Care
  • Search Management
  • Tracking

Equipment

BCSAR maintains a cache of common equipment, vehicles, radios, and other specialty rescue gear for use by the group. Certain standard items are provided to members as they achieve specific milestones of service. All members are required to create and maintain a personal 24-hour ready pack for field operations. A sample list of the 24-hour ready pack is included in our BCSAR Application which is available for download in the right column.

Meetings

BCSAR regular meetings and training exercises are held the second Thursday of every month at 6 p.m. Meeting locations may vary so please contact us to find out where we will be meeting this month. Members are required to attend at least 6 monthly meetings per year.

To Become a BCSAR Member

BCSAR is always looking for individuals who are dedicated to helping people in need. To become a member, please complete our application form available under Related Documents in the right column or pick one up at the Sheriff’s Office. Applications may be submitted by emailing Commander Brad Mecham or emailing Sheriff Administrative Specialist Holly Carter at the Blaine County Sheriff’s Office.

Mobile Command UnitEach member of Blaine County Search and Rescue has joined the organization for their own reasons; The National Association for Search and Rescue summarizes one of the best reasons with their motto: “That Others May Live." We hope that you will consider joining Blaine County Search and Rescue.