Subject: SCVSAR

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Saving lives in remote places… Snohomish County Volunteer Search and Rescue can use your help!

February 10, 2017

For 50 years, they have answered when called and gone out on missions supported by volunteers with thousands of hours of training and specialties. The operations come at a price, though, and the nonprofit Snohomish County Volunteer Search And Rescue (SCVSAR) is looking to keep the outfit going through soliciting donations, grants and time. This is where the SCVSAR food truck comes in, although the 31-year-old GMC Value Van, which is a former SWAT vehicle, is on its last days of missions. “We are currently faced with — ‘how are going to replace this food truck?’ It’s still running, but it’s failing and it is a critical part of our missions because it helps sustain our volunteers,” said Bill Buck, board vice-president and volunteer. The food truck goes out on nearly every mission. It was a vital part of the Oso Mudslide response because it spent nearly 30 days out with the volunteers. To learn more about what we do and how you can help, visit the full Snohomish County Tribune article HERE or, visit our donation page HERE to lend your support now!  

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When should you call 911 for Search and Rescue? What happens when you do?

January 25, 2017

  Whether you consider yourself a hard-core outdoor enthusiast or just an occasional backcountry explorer, learn more about when you should call Search and Rescue, what information you should provide, how long a typical response takes, and more.   QUESTION: How do I call Search and Rescue? ANSWER: The only way to get in touch with Search and Rescue in Snohomish County is to call 911. The initial call may be handled by King County, Washington State Patrol or other dispatch agencies depending on where you are. Explain the nature of your emergency and, if you are in the backcountry, where you are and the trailhead you accessed. 911 will need this information in case you need to get transferred to SNOPAC for the Snohomish County Sheriff. They will have someone from Search and Rescue call you. QUESTION: What if I don’t have cell service? ANSWER: You can try texting 911 regardless of if you have cellular phone services available at your location. You may be instructed to turn off the phone to conserve battery life, and turn it on at scheduled intervals to text 911 and update them on the patient’s status. (Click here for more information about Text […]

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