Search and Rescue Teams Are Now Better Equipped to Save Lives

May 18

Written By Columbia Community Connection

Photo from Hood River Sheriff’s website.

From Hood River County Sheriff’s Office and Hood River County Health Department:

By Daron Ryan

Hood River, Ore., May 18, 2026 — The Crag Rats, PNWSAR, and Portland Mountain Rescue have formed Search and Rescue Advanced Life Support (SAR ALS) teams. This skilled group of volunteer paramedics, nurses, nurse practitioners, physician associates, and doctors provides advanced medical care in remote locations where conventional services cannot easily reach.

The SAR ALS program was started because the American Medical Response Reach and Treat Team, which served the region for 40 years with backcountry paramedics, ceased operation on April 30, 2026. Hood River County Health Officer and SAR Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Medical Director Dr. Christopher Van Tilburg worked with regional SAR organizations to fill the gap.

“I am very pleased and excited for our region”, said Sheriff Matt English. “The new Advanced Life Support capabilities for our regional search and rescue teams are a game changer. Our volunteers often face complex missions involving seriously injured or ill people where every second counts.” English went on to say, “The ability to provide advanced medical care in these remote locations, not readily accessible by our Fire and EMS partners, greatly increases the likelihood of positive outcomes.”

Highly Trained Wilderness First Responders

SAR ALS providers work alongside SAR members certified as Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) and Emergency Medical Responders (EMRs). Teamwork and ongoing training ensure SAR teams can manage complex, high-stakes rescues. The Hood River County Health Department has sponsored EMR courses for 90 volunteer SAR members since 2022.

"The Hood River County Health Department is proud to support SAR EMR training through a Public Health Emergency Preparedness and Response Program grant,” said Director Trish Elliott. “When responders are well-trained, residents and visitors can enjoy the beauty of our region more safely.”

Three Regional SAR Organizations

The Hood River Crag Rats, established in 1926, are the oldest mountain rescue team in the United States. PNWSAR has served the region since 1993. Both teams are deployed under Hood River County Sheriff Matt English. Portland Mountain Rescue operates under Clackamas County and frequently provides mutual aid to Hood River County. Together, the three organizations have approximately 20 ALS providers, with another 20 more expected to join in the next six months.

Dedicated SAR volunteers bring greater expertise and preparation through new SAR ALS teams and expanded EMS training. Despite this, SAR organizations cannot replace personal preparedness. Backcountry rescues can be prolonged, and advanced medical care is not always available. Everyone who ventures into the mountains, forests, and rivers of Mt. Hood and the Columbia River Gorge should carry proper food, water, clothing, and footwear; a headlamp; a charged cell phone with a mapping app; enough spare gear to survive an unexpected night out; and a first-aid kit.

For media inquiries, please contact Christopher Van Tilburg at Christopher.VanTilburg@hoodrivercounty.gov or 541-399-5949.