Washoe County Search & Rescue

As one of only 75 fully-accredited mountain rescue teams in North America, Washoe County Search and Rescue is proud to be a member of the national Mountain Rescue Association (MRA). In order to maintain our accreditation status, our team is required to pass a reaccreditation field test every March.

This year's test was for Technical Rock Rescue, simulating having to locate and rescue an individual who was "injured" after a long fall while rock climbing in a remote, mountainous area.

Last weekend, 24 members of our mountain rescue unit made the six hour trip to Monterey County, California to join other MRA teams from northern California for this annual peer-evaluated test of our experience, skills, and capabilities. After a long, challenging scenario in difficult terrain, the team passed our evaluation and continues to maintain our accreditation with the MRA.

Washoe County Sheriff's Office
Mountain Rescue Association
California Region of the Mountain Rescue Association

Yesterday, Washoe County Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue Team's Backcountry Unit was dispatched to assist an injured hiker on the Ophir Creek Trail near Davis Creek Park after the hiker slipped on an icy section of trail and broke his leg.

WCSAR backcountry teams, working in conjunction with Truckee Meadows Fire Protection District Engine 32, reached the patient about a quarter mile up the trail. Utilizing a stokes litter fitted with a wheel, along with a vacuum splint, crews stabilized the hiker and safely transported him to a waiting ambulance for care and transport to a local hospital.

This call was another example of the team work and collaboration we enjoy with our local partners at Truckee Meadows Fire Protection District and REMSA Health.

Mountain Rescue Association
California Region of the Mountain Rescue Association
Washoe County Regional Parks and Open Space
Truckee Meadows Fire Protection District
REMSA Health
Cascade Rescue Company

Yesterday, members of the Washoe County Sheriff's Office Search and Rescue Team's Dive Unit conducted night time ice dive training in Marilyn's Pond at Galena Creek Park. With a water temp of 37°F and near zero visibility, it was brisk 🥶 and dark 👀!

While our divers were trying to stay warm in Marilyn's Pond, members of our Backcountry and Mountain Rescue Teams were higher up in the mountains at Tahoe Meadows completing their A3 Pro 1 Avalanche Rescue Test, which they're required to pass annually.

Washoe County Search and Rescue's professional volunteers train every week throughout the year to maintain a high level of technical proficiency in multiple rescue disciplines, including: backcountry and mountain rescue, technical rope rescue, abandoned mine rescue, swiftwater and flood rescue, dive rescue, helicopter hoist rescue, boats, ATVs, tracked snow machines, and advanced ALS-level wilderness medicine, in order to be able to effectively respond to any requests for assistance in Washoe County and throughout the region, 24 hours per day, 365 days per year.

Washoe County Sheriff's Office
Mountain Rescue Association
California Region of the Mountain Rescue Association
Sierra Avalanche Center
Washoe County Regional Parks and Open Space
DUI - Diving Unlimited International
Ocean Technology Systems
American Institute for Avalanche Research and Education