Rescue@naxja Question

[Eagle]

Those who were paying attention back around Moab time already know that set up a PayPal account to collect donations for the Search and Rescue (SAR) squad that responds to emergencies in the Moab area. We got a chunk of cash and made a nice donation.

The BOD has voted to make this an on-going effort, shifting the donation every couple of months or so to support the emergency response team covering wherever we're going to have a national event. For our chapter, that's Nac Fest at Paragon. My understanding is that Paragon pays to have an EMT squad on-site when there's wheeling in the park, at least on weekends. Can anyone confirm if I am correct on this?

What is the emergency reponse group for Paragon if the on-site EMTs can't handle it? Does Hazleton or the county have a SAR team, or is that function handled by a fire department in the area?

Lastly, assuming that will be collecting for a couple of months or so around NAC Fest, the BOD will be asking us to whom the money should go. The intent of the collection is to help out volunteer squads who are the ones who help us out if necessary. If we already pay for this service through our entry fees at paragon, we could consider donating to another worthy SAR group. It could be one in the area near Paragon, but if they generally won't be responding, we could (subject to BOD approval) consider a squad farther away. Dunno if there are any SAR teams in eastern PA, but I know that Bill Brown (PA Highlander) is an officer in a SAR team in western PA. If we don't identify a worthy recipient near Hazleton, how would y'all feel about asking the national BOD if we can use these funds to support one of our own members?

 

[Mike in NJ]

Eagle:

I'll call Stephanie at Paragon to get confirmation of the details regarding local support. While they do have on-site EMT, additional support comes from the local FD - helicopter rescue in that area is state-run.

Mike in NJ atriot:

 

[sidriptide]

i think that its a terrific idea!!

 

[PA Highlander]

... Dunno if there are any SAR teams in eastern PA, but I know that Bill Brown (PA Highlander) is an officer in a SAR team in western PA. If we don't identify a worthy recipient near Hazleton, how would y'all feel about asking the national BOD if we can use these funds to support one of our own members?

Eagle, thanks for thinking of my crew! We would be honored and grateful for any support that comes our way, should we be chosen. I am currently serving as president for this team.

Here's the semi-official sound bite so everyone knows what we are about: "The Bedford County Wilderness Search Team (BCWST) is a non-profit, volunteer organization dedicated to saving lives in the outdoors. The mission of BCWST is to provide education, mitigation and search and rescue services in regards to lost person and injured person incidents occurring in a wilderness environment. The members of BCWST are National Association for Search and Rescue (NASAR) certified. All callout certified personnel are at a minimum SARTECH III and all field certified personnel are at a minimum SARTECH II and certified to a minimum of Wilderness First Aid. Specialist strike teams are available in Search Management, K9, Special Transportation, and Wilderness Rescue disciplines." The team website is BCWST

The team is 100% volunteer and is funded by donations and team fundraisers. If anyone has any questions about the team, email or PM me (Email: Bill Brown) . Also if anyone lives in or near Bedford County PA and is interested in joining contact me for an application. BTW, the Special Transportation strike team includes 4x4's!

Thanks!