Secret Life of a Search and Rescue Volunteer

Posted by: Russ

Secret Life of a Search and Rescue Volunteer - 06/21/19 03:43 PM

I was offered this article to read by my browser (Firefox) and thought it worthy to share here.
Secret Life of a Search and Rescue Volunteer
Posted by: chaosmagnet

Re: Secret Life of a Search and Rescue Volunteer - 06/21/19 05:01 PM

Sad story. Thanks for sharing it.
Posted by: hikermor

Re: Secret Life of a Search and Rescue Volunteer - 06/21/19 07:09 PM

His story rings true to form, but it is not the entirety of the SAR experience. there is a hugey positive side as well - the rush and glow when you know your presence has undoubtedly saved lives. Since the author has only been at SAR or a few years, he may not have yet experienced this, but when he does, it will stay with him for decades.

There is a lot to SAR; it is a rich and complex experience, with overtones and ramifications that are unanticipated. With a common interest and experience in varying aspects of outdoor life, our volunteers came from different backgrounds and career paths. Some of us were students, others were college faculty (two if my closest companions were a molecular biologist and a dendrochronologist). We had a couple of physicians and two or three ER nurses, as well. Different backgrounds came in handy in solving problems and refining techniques.

Starting as an all male outfit, we learned that including women within the group improved our operations notably (not everyone was comfortable with this turn of events), but clearly mixed groups usually functioned more effectively than unisex groups.

All in all, SAR was a rewarding experience that gave me more that I gave it....

Russ, thanks for posting this.
Posted by: UncleGoo

Re: Secret Life of a Search and Rescue Volunteer - 06/22/19 11:49 PM

"A tremendous service was done for my family by strangers.

Now it is my turn.

I will do for others what had been done for us."

This little bit of the article hit home for me--what makes us human.