Founded in the fall of 2002, ATALAYA SEARCH AND RESCUE (ASAR) is an all-volunteer and non-profit organization dedicated to the search and rescue of lost or injured people in the backcountry of New Mexico. Our responders are on call 24/7 operating under State Police and the Department of Public Safety, and are highly trained in ground search, medical care, communication, and technical rope rescue. ASAR team members have collectively participated in hundreds of search and rescue missions in the mountains, forests, and deserts of the southwest, and play a vital role in New Mexico's public safety network of first responders. In January 2008, ASAR became a fully accredited member of the Mountain Rescue Association (MRA), the nation's foremost standard-setter for mountain rescue teams. We are one of only two MRA certified teams in New Mexico.
In addition to our role as first responders we also provide community first-aid to many annual public events: St. John’s College’s “Music on the Hill”, various bike events with Core Crew throughout the year such as “La Tierra Torture”, the “Jemez Mt. Trail Run,” the “Atalaya Turkey Trot” and other events throughout the year.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS Aaron Lovato, President Allison Chan, Vice President Ryan LaMonica, Secretary Matt Smith, Treasurer Jack Mitchell, Gear Officer Karl Smith, Training Officer
TECHNICAL RESCUE
We specialize in low, medium, and high angle cliff rescues
GROUND SEARCH
We travel by foot for many miles to locate those in need
WINTER RESCUE
We train to the highest standards of avalanche rescue
