Join

• EMR is one of several volunteer teams that serve the Lane County Sheriff's Office (LCSO) Search and Rescue program. LCSO holds recruitment meetings for Search and Rescue 101 each fall, typically in October. Candidates for EMR will be selected from the Search and Rescue 101 class held January through April each year.

• If you are interested in being contacted once we open up recruitment or are interested in joining, please contact LCSO by email. More information can be found on their website.

Qualified candidates must have ALL of the following skills:

• General backcountry knowledge: Able to navigate using map/compass and GPS, own proper clothing and equipment for travel, training, and survival in inclement weather in all seasons.

• Good fitness levels: Capable of carrying heavy loads in backcountry situations, and adequate fitness level to participate in strenuous activity, sometimes for long periods of time. Team members are expected to perform at the "arduous" level consistent with the U.S. Forest Service Wildland Firefighter Pack Test.  This is a timed test of a 3-mile hike on level terrain under 45 minutes.  Packs must be carried during the test and will weigh 45 pounds or one-third of your body weight, whichever is less.

• Climbing Knots: Capable of tying basic climbing knots- the Water Knot, Double Fisherman’s, Prusik Knot, Figure 8 Follow Through, Alpine Butterfly, Münter Hitch, Bowline and Clove Hitch.

Qualified candidates are also required to have basic skills in at least one technical area below:

• Rock climbing: Capable of climbing at least low 5th class rock.

• Snow/glacier: Able to self-arrest, use crampons and ice axe properly, and be familiar with roped glacier travel.

• Ice climbing: Capable of climbing WI2 or AI2. Familiar with use of ice protection methods, ice tools and crampons.

• Rope rescue technician training: Certified Technical Rope Rescue Operations Level 1 (NFPA 1670)

Must be a current and participating member of LSCO Ground SAR - See below for joining 

To remain eligible for EMR Search and Rescue missions all team members must:

•  Complete 30 hours of training a year

• Pass an annual Arduous Work Capacity Pack Test or approved LCSO variant

•  Maintain First Aid/CPR certification

• Complete required annual online trainings

• Complete biennial skill task books

• Maintain good standing with LSCO and EMR