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Click here for training dates: SAR Training Schedule
Park County Search and Rescue
Photos by Kirk Waggoner
Park County Search and Rescue (PCSAR) is some 25-30 people from all walks of life who make up the two volunteer search and rescue teams in Park County. Located in Cody and Powell, the groups have people trained in skills such as: first aid and CPR; wilderness search; aircraft and ELT search; urban search; search management; swift water and ice rescue; mountain rescue; K-9 search; Incident Command System; wilderness travel; land navigation; avalanche search; and critical incident stress management. Some of the team members are extensively trained in emergency medicine and other specialized rescue techniques and many of them are community instructors of various outdoor skills and safety programs.
 
Assistance is also provided to the public by use of a County-owned Aviat "Husky" aircraft. Many missing persons have been spotted from the air and stolen property recovered by this airborne resource. The airplane is piloted by volunteer search and rescue pilots and performs law enforcement functions as well as search and rescue services.
The SAR teams also assist the local law enforcement, emergency management, volunteer fire departments and ambulance services when extra help is needed with logistical support or medical/rescue services during serious incidents.
Training is done on a weekly basis and includes basic SAR skills as well as advanced training. Special training sessions are often conducted on weekends, and volunteers put in a lot of personal time with their team activities.
SAR teams work under the authority and direction of the Park County Sheriff. They are considered to be a volunteer civilian branch of the Sheriff’s Office. Funding is obtained from four principal sources. 1) County tax support is provided through a line item in the Sheriff’s Office budget. 2) Much-needed additional support is obtained by donations from individuals and businesses throughout the community. 3) Significant support has also been received from friends and families of emergency incident victims. 4) Finally, there is a state SAR fund, which can reimburse certain incident costs for emergency response. This is the SAR fund you may have contributed to if you voluntarily donated an extra dollar when purchasing a hunting or fishing license or a snowmobile or boat registration in Wyoming.
 
Since the inception of PCSAR in 1970, teams have responded to more than 1,405 calls for help in Park County, and volunteers have contributed hundreds of man-hours to emergencies. Many more additional man-hours were contributed in the form of training, equipment maintenance and other readiness activities.
Park County Sheriff’s Emergency Response Team
Affectionately known as ERT, the Park county Sheriff’s Emergency Response Team is a search and rescue organization dedicated to community service by providing the Sheriff’s Office, Park County Search and Rescue and local citizens and visitors special emergency response services. These services consist primarily of snowmobile and four wheeler search, rescue and support. They, like PCSAR, are all volunteers and work under the authority and direction of the Sheriff’s Office. They work hand-in-hand with SAR teams to provide resources not otherwise available.
ERT members have many of the same qualities and requirements that other SAR members have. These include fundamental SAR training in disciplines such as: first aid and CPR; navigation; technical rescue; wilderness travel; public education; emergency communications; logistical support; four wheeler and snowmobile safety; search strategy and tactics; Incident Command System; avalanche safety and rescue; search dog support; ice rescue; and other special skills.
 
ERT funding is provided primarily through private and business donations. Members provide almost all of their own equipment including: snowmobiles; four wheelers; trailers; helmets; special clothing; and emergency response ready packs which contain first aid, rescue and survival equipment. Donations are used to purchase equipment like: Rescue Sled; six-wheel ATV; stretchers; special first aid equipment; and two-way radios.
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