In Washington alone, search and rescue conducts more than 800 missions a year to help lost and injured outdoor enthusiasts. Yet despite the large number of hikers, climbers, skiers and bikers they help each year, most people know very little about the elite group behind the heroics.
Gaining a better appreciation for search and rescue can make you a safer and more confident hiker. After all, at some point you might be the one in need of help. And in that moment, your knowledge of who to call, when to expect help and what to do while you wait could just save your life.
Part 1: Meet the heroes of Search and Rescue
What search and rescue is, what kinds of missions it conducts and who volunteers with the organization.
Part 2: Learn the anatomy of a rescue
What goes on behind the scene of a rescue and what you should do while you wait for help.
Part 3: Help Search and Rescue help you
How to test your layers, leave a detailed itinerary, call for help, make good choices on trail and wait productively for rescue.
Part 4: Support Search and Rescue
How to donate your spare money and your spare time to help this amazing organization.