Sitting here in California hoping for snow, but mostly getting rain. I know the snow will come, but patience isn’t exactly my strong suit. Recent missions for my team have definitely required patience as we have had several searches this year with no find of our missing person. Most searchers find these to be the most frustrating as we long for resolution and a more clear outcome for the family. While many MRA teams respond often to rescues where the subject’s location is known, and technology is making it easier for people to reach out for help or know where they are, searches for the missing and lost are still happening. Dementia patients and at-risk youth tend to be common subjects of extended searches. It’s hard to move on from these searches when no find is made, and teams go back and train in the areas, pore over GPS tracks, think about what might have been missed or where the person could be. I think one of the things SAR teams do quite well is learn from these searches, both by not giving up, following up on clues or holes in track coverage, and by reassessing tactics and search plans when and if an eventual find is made.
The constant learning necessary as an MRA team makes the work dynamic and interesting, and part of what I love about it. The recent ICAR meeting in Jackson Hole, Wyoming was a great display of shared lessons and new ideas and processes in mountain rescue. The reports are almost all finished, so look for an article soon with a brief synopsis of the meeting and links to the full reports from the different committees. The Communications Committee submitted an article about the need for an FCC authorization letter for radio usage, and there are briefs about how Stowe Mountain Rescue is using social media to educate and warn as well as a profile of the newest search tool being used by a team in Florida – Splash the otter. Additionally, there is a story about Los Angeles County MRA volunteers who are venturing into more international missions.
Lastly, I would love to revamp the website for the Meridian, but need help to do that. I’d like to create its own site that could have subscribers in order to broaden our reach and send updates when stories are posted. Please reach out if you are interested in helping with this project. There are so many great SAR stories out there and I am only able to write about a few, but if your team or region has something interesting happening, please pass it along. I have had a few articles submitted by MRA team members and that is always welcome. The best part of my job is talking to MRA members and SAR volunteers from around the country and learning about their experiences and what is happening in their areas and on their teams. I am so appreciative of everyone who answers my calls, responds to my emails and makes the time to talk with me. Looking forward to more learning and maybe more patience in 2026!
