If you haven't heard yet, our Mountain Rescue team is recruiting! We are looking for Las Vegas residents who are willing to volunteer their time in order to help others. We have received a number of questions from people who are wondering - what exactly does that mean?
To give you an idea, our current MR team consists of people just like you.
- Insurance Agent/Owner
- Firefighter
- IT Professional
- Chiropractor
- Analyst
- Personal Trainer
- Neurosurgeon
- Paramedic/EMT
- Teacher
The most important thing that we look for in a new recruit isn't a hardcore enthusiasm for the outdoors, a military background, or rock climbing experience. Knowledge like this is helpful, but the most important characteristic for us is dedication. Our Unit trains extensively. We do this because there is a level of danger associated with this job. We want to be trained above and beyond any rescue situation that we find ourselves in so that when we're in it, we're prepared. Not only are new recruits expected to attend training sessions, but often times, team members must spend extra time practicing knots, mechanical advantage systems, or other technical rope techniques. A majority of our recruits have never been exposed to the rescue environment, so the learning curve in the beginning is large. We want to bring on people who are willing to put in the time and effort that it takes to conduct rescue missions in a safe and professional manner.
You get what you giveWe train, we hike, we climb, we fly in helicopters, and when we're called out on a rescue, it's hardly ever on a nice, sunny day. It's windy, rainy, cold, and it's probably 2:00 in the morning on a work night. The winds are blowing so hard that we're unable to use the helicopter. This means that we're hiking in and it's all uphill. We have to carry not only our personal gear, but team gear as well. We have to be physically fit enough to not only conduct the hike, but carry on a rescue mission once we reach our destination. This all happens while our friends and family are at home, sleeping, and we're on the rescue because that's where we want to be.
This experience isn't for everyone, and we understand that. We put all new recruits through a rigorous interview and physical fitness process in order to determine who may be a best fit. We look for character and dedication. We don't mind if you lack outdoor or rescue experience because we'll teach you. If you're willing to put in the time, attend all training sessions, and obtain your EMT-B certification within the first year of being on the team, we'd like to hear from you.
If you're interested in becoming a Mountain Rescue volunteer and would like to be considered for this Fall's Basic's Class, you have until July 17th to submit an interest form. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us!
If volunteering your time isn't for you, but you'd still like to support the Unit, send in a tax deductible donation by clicking on the "Donate" button. We appreciate any support that you're able to provide.
