TCSAR earns winter accreditation from Mountain Rescue Association

JACKSON HOLE, Wyo. — Look, we all pretty much know we have the best Search and Rescue team around. Probably you know a volunteer or maybe even someone who was rescued by Teton County Search and Rescue.

But to have it confirmed by an independent source is pretty cool.

TCSAR recently passed a series of winter-based tests administered by the Mountain Rescue Association, helping the team earn winter rescue accreditation from the oldest SAR association in the country.

Those who keep close tabs on TCSAR are already aware of the volunteers’ high level of commitment and care, but the accreditation demonstrates their skills according to a national set of standards, and is yet another reason for the community to be proud of their efforts.

The accreditation means TCSAR has access to MRA’s extensive network of teams from across the country and advanced training opportunities with outside agencies.

“We are constantly seeking ways to improve, and getting feedback from folks outside our organization can identify things we miss internally,” said Doug van Houten, TCSAR’s logistics advisor and team member since 2015. “That we passed with flying colors validates our high training standards and places member expectations in line with industry standards.”

The accreditation process consisted of three different field tests on January 22 up on Teton Pass. Nineteen volunteers from TCSAR took part, including nine members from the team’s new class. The team already trains on many of the scenarios featured in the accreditation, but they still ran through the paces during regular team trainings in December and January and practiced on their own time as well. Three members from the local Venture Crew also participated as patients.

The biggest piece was a simulated avalanche rescue, consisting of an unknown number of burials, beacon searches, probe lines, uncovering the buried patients, and providing patient care and transport.