Volunteer Search and Rescue Teams Face Growing Strain as Call Volume and Complexity Increase

Published September 4, 2026 06:05 AM

The unseen heroes of our wild spaces, volunteer search and rescue (SAR) teams, are facing unprecedented pressure. From technical rope rescues for a climber with a broken tibia two miles from a trailhead, to hiker collapses in extreme 104°F heat six miles out, to a backpacker with a broken ankle caught out after sunset, and even the heartbreaking disappearance of a dementia patient into freezing temperatures, these scenarios represent the daily reality for these dedicated individuals. With over 10,000 volunteer rescuers organized into 1,150 SAR teams across the United States, these individuals consistently answer the call, deploying at any hour and in any weather condition to save lives. Their commitment is unwavering, utilizing a diverse range of skills including technical rope rescue, search dogs, and mounted units.

While a comprehensive national database detailing the total number of volunteer SAR missions is absent, with individual teams meticulously maintaining their own records, a clear trend is emerging. Many SAR teams, particularly in the Rocky Mountain West, continue to report record callout numbers, a surge that began during the pandemic years and shows little sign of abating. Conversely, other regions are experiencing a significant drop-off in missions from their 2020 highs. This dichotomy, however, is placing a substantial and multifaceted strain on the nation’s volunteer SAR community.

"Is SAR overburdened? I think it’s 100 percent overburdened," states Chris Ruch, President of the Mountain Rescue Association (MRA). He elaborates that the escalating volume and the increasing technical complexity of these calls are significant stressors on both the volunteers and their families. However, Ruch also highlights a paradoxical pressure: "not being utilized is also putting pressure on teams if they shrink as people leave because they feel like they’re not contributing despite all of the hours of training and expense of gear. There are a lot of new factors in play." This sentiment underscores a critical challenge – maintaining volunteer engagement and morale when mission availability fluctuates, even as the underlying need for their services remains high or is growing.

The Mountain Rescue Association (MRA), founded in 1959 in direct response to a growing number of wilderness emergencies, stands as the largest organized volunteer SAR organization in the United States. Its network encompasses teams nationwide, each rigorously qualified in disciplines such as technical rope rescue, advanced search techniques, and avalanche/winter rescue. The post-World War II era witnessed a significant surge in outdoor recreation, a phenomenon that Ruch astutely draws a parallel to the current boom in outdoor activities spurred by the 2020 pandemic. This resurgence has dramatically increased the demand for SAR services. Colorado, for instance, reported a peak of 3,000 rescues in 2025 alone, with Washington tallying 1,500 and Arizona 600 during the same period.

"Beginning with the pandemic and inspired by social media, people have rediscovered the outdoors," Ruch observes. "And that brings with it more people getting injured, more people getting lost, more call-outs for SAR teams. Also, teams are getting called for more special population searches, including dementia patients… My own team, Allegheny Mountain Rescue Group in western Pennsylvania, has doubled the number of searches that we have since 2020 to now, which is more than 50 missions a year." This personal account from Ruch vividly illustrates the amplified operational tempo faced by individual teams.

Anna DeBattiste, associated with the Colorado Search and Rescue Association, echoes this sentiment, noting that SAR teams in states with numerous 14ers (mountains exceeding 14,000 feet in elevation) are reporting a substantial increase in rescues. "For instance, Alpine [Rescue Team in Jefferson County, Colo., west of Denver] is reporting a record year so far with 120 calls. That’s usually what they do for an entire year," she states. "They’re getting a lot of 14er calls and mountain bike calls." This concentration of activity in high-altitude and challenging terrain areas highlights the increased risk inherent in current outdoor pursuits.

Beyond traditional wilderness rescues, volunteer SAR teams are increasingly being enlisted for less conventional, yet critical, missions. Colorado State SAR Coordinator Trevin Montano points to wildfire evacuations as a prime example. "We had some really good examples of that in Colorado in the past year," he noted. "Mesa County Search and Rescue helped with the evacuation of rafters on the Colorado River during the Turner Gulch Fire, and Dolores County Search and Rescue helped evacuate people who were threatened by the Stoner Mesa Fire. Those aren’t necessarily the types of incidents people traditionally think about when they hear ‘search and rescue,’ but SAR teams can bring a lot of useful capabilities to those incidents." The adaptability and broad skill set of SAR volunteers make them invaluable assets in disaster response beyond their primary mission.

The financial implications of this increased operational demand are also significant. Ruch further elaborates that "overburdened" extends to being financially strained. Escalating fuel prices are directly impacting the cost of response transportation for both teams and their members’ personal vehicles. The constant need for equipment replacement, whether due to scheduled maintenance or wear and tear, represents an ongoing expenditure. Volunteers are frequently responsible for outfitting themselves with expensive gear and clothing, and even professional discounts only mitigate a portion of these costs. Furthermore, SAR teams are investing heavily in new technologies and advanced training, including the deployment of drones for aerial reconnaissance and the implementation of field satellite communication systems to enhance operational effectiveness in remote areas.

Funding models for volunteer SAR teams vary considerably across the nation. Some teams benefit from state-level support, such as Colorado’s CORSAR Card and BSAR (Backcountry Search and Rescue) programs, which provide a crucial revenue stream. However, other states have been less supportive. The Wyoming state senate, for example, rejected a measure in February that would have allocated funding for volunteer SAR, leaving teams in that state heavily reliant on donations, fundraising events, and grants. Organizations like Rocky Talkie, through its annual SAR Awards, play a vital role in supporting these efforts.

The sacrifices inherent in volunteer SAR work are profound. "There’s a lot of sacrifices that come with volunteering with search and rescue," Ruch emphasizes. "It’s time in learning skills and frequent trainings. It’s paying for personal equipment and gas. It’s missing kids’ soccer games and family events. It’s continuing education, and it’s leaving your home at any hour and not knowing when you’ll be back." This candid reflection underscores the significant personal commitment required, a commitment that extends far beyond the hours spent on active missions.

Joining a SAR Team: A Call to Action

Given the escalating demands and the inherent strains, the need for dedicated individuals to join SAR teams is more critical than ever. The path to becoming a volunteer is accessible, though it requires a genuine commitment. The most effective starting point is to contact your local county sheriff’s department and inquire about volunteer search and rescue teams. (Exceptions exist, as in New Mexico and Alaska, where volunteer SAR operations fall under the purview of state police.) Most SAR teams host monthly public meetings, offering an invaluable opportunity to learn about the team’s operations, membership requirements, and the specific needs of your local area. Many teams also adhere to annual application windows and structured training schedules.

"You don’t need to be an expert before joining a SAR team," reassures Montano. "Teams will put you through their own training, and every team does things a little differently." This statement highlights that while prior experience is beneficial, it is not a prerequisite. The rigorous training provided by the teams themselves ensures that all members are equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge.

Montano and other experienced volunteers strongly emphasize the substantial time commitment involved in being a SAR team member. "There is a lot of training that happens behind the scenes and calls don’t necessarily happen at convenient times," he explains. "You might be sitting down for dinner or getting ready for bed when the call comes in." This illustrates the unpredictable nature of SAR operations and the need for volunteers who can readily adapt their personal lives to accommodate emergencies.

Shane Ruzinsky, president of Albuquerque Mountain Rescue in New Mexico, eloquently captures the essence of volunteer SAR: "Volunteer search and rescue survives because of people who are willing and passionate to put in the time to do it. And the only payment that you receive is the sense of accomplishment and meaning in human experiences and helping to save someone’s life." This profound statement underscores the intrinsic rewards of SAR work, which lie in the profound impact on the lives of others and the personal fulfillment derived from contributing to community safety.

Ruzinsky further highlights that the success of volunteer search and rescue hinges not only on individuals with robust outdoor skills but also on the diverse array of backgrounds and experiences that volunteers bring to the team. "Folks with financial backgrounds, public relations, individuals with teaching backgrounds, realtors, lawyers, medical professionals—it really takes a diverse set of people to effectively run the volunteer search and rescue team," he asserts. "One of a volunteer team’s strengths is that we can tackle a problem in a really diverse set of mindsets, skill sets, and backgrounds… All of those experiences come together with training to problem solve in really creative ways." This emphasis on diversity underscores that SAR is not solely about physical prowess; it’s about collective problem-solving and leveraging a wide range of professional and life experiences.

As volunteers, SAR members typically have the autonomy to choose whether or not to respond to specific missions. However, to maintain active status within many teams, members are required to meet minimum benchmarks for mission responses and training sessions. The training itself can be an extensive process, often spanning several months, and new volunteers must successfully pass a comprehensive skills test before they are deemed operational and eligible to participate in missions.

Ultimately, the core attributes that define a successful SAR volunteer are the ability to function effectively as part of a cohesive team and an unwavering positive attitude. Jack Mitchell, MRA Rocky Mountain Region Chair, a volunteer since the age of 14, attests to the transformative power of SAR. "Search and rescue has really shaped who I am as a person," he shares. "It really gave me a sense of community and a group that I feel that I belong to and contribute to. It’s not a hobby, it’s a job you’re passionate about that you don’t get paid for. But you’re still getting up at 2 in the morning to go help someone when it’s raining out. That takes a special group of incredible people you’re not going to find anywhere else." This profound testament speaks to the unique camaraderie and unwavering dedication that defines the volunteer search and rescue community.