INTRODUCTION
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What exactly do we do? We perform rescues in forests, mountains, and deserts, on snow or rock, day or night. Our responders are highly trained in ground search, avalanche, medical care, communication, and technical rope rescue.

We welcome people with all levels of backcountry experience. No experience is required to join the team; however, enthusiasm for helping others, a positive and engaging attitude, and a flexible schedule are helpful skills for being a successful team member.

HOW TO BECOME A MEMBER

We are currently accepting new members for our 2025-2026 prospective member cohort. If you are interested in joining, please attend one of our three information sessions, held at St. John's College in ESL Room 209 on:

• Saturday, November 8, 9:00am
• Friday, November 14, 5:00pm
  
• Wednesday, November 19, 6:30pm
  

The information session is the place to learn about our team, what we do, and the expectations to be a member of our search and rescue team.

After you've attended an information session, you can fill out our application:
PROSPECTIVE MEMBER COHORT APPLICATION

The application closes at 11:59pm on Sunday, November 30, 2025. We will conduct interviews and select the final cohort for 2026 by the end of the calendar year.

If you are interested in joining, have any questions about the process, or are physically unable to attend one of the three information sessions above, please contact [email protected]. 

Thanks!
​David Dunlop
Vice President of Atalaya Search and Rescue

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PROBATIONARY MEMBER REQUIREMENTS
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The following is required to become an Active Member on Atalaya Search and Rescue: 

• Have responded to at least 2 missions under direct team supervision
• Have attended at least 5 weekend trainings
• Have attended at least 5 team meetings
• Have passed the New Mexico Field Certification Test
• Have passed FEMA ICS 100 and FEMA ICS 200 courses
• Have successfully completed a Qualification Hike
• Have successfully passed the written Prospective Member Exam
• Have successfully passed the practical Prospective Member Evaluation​​

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RECOMMENDED GEAR & CLOTHING LIST
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If you don't have all these items, don't fret.  This list is compiled from many sources and may be used as a checklist. When packing gear for a specific mission or training, consider the following: weather, location/altitude, time of day/night, type of mission (ground pound, tech rescue, trail evac, necessary speed, etc.), your own specific needs (meds, caloric requirements, hygiene). Pack accordingly!  This list is ASAR's recommended mission gear list.  ​For the NMSARC gear list for Field Certification, please see the Study Guide (PDF).

STANDARD CLOTHING:
No matter what you wear, follow the principles of a three-layered system:

1. base-layer wicking clothing next-to-skin,
2. mid-layer insulation,
3. outer-layer wind and / or waterproof shell,
4. and wool or polypro socks appropriate for footwear. 
5. Be aware of the hazards of cotton! 

• Wicking shirt for summer (base-layer).
• Long underwear for winter (base-layer).
• Fleece and puffy for insulation (mid-layer).
• Waterproof shell, jacket with hood and pants (outer-layer) for rain and snow.
• Sturdy, waterproof hiking boots.
• Waterproof gloves (outer-layer) for rain and snow.
• Head cover - protecting against sun, heat and / or cold.
• Extra pair of socks.
• Extra clothing (for you or a subject), extra layers for cold / wind.
• Optional gaiters to protect from snow, wet underbrush, and debris.

FOOD AND WATER:

• Water at least 2 L, more as needed.
• Water purification system - chemical tablets or filter.
• Food for 24 hours.
• Stove, fuel, cook pot, utensil (one set per field team).

PERSONAL FIRST-AID:

• Personal first-aid kit including your prescription drugs, contact solution, etc.
• Extra prescription glasses or contacts.
• Toilet paper, hand sanitizer, and trowel.

ESSENTIALS:

• Backpack - minimum 30 L, larger for winter 60 – 70 L.
• Navigation
• Compass - accurate to five degrees or better.
• Map of the area.
• GPS device with extra batteries.
• Headlamp and / or flashlight with extra batteries (consider a backup for a subject).
• Sun protection - sunglasses, sun protective clothing and sunscreen including lib balm.
• Fire starter and knowledge to use it - waterproof matches, lighter, etc.
• Communication
• Whistle.
• Signal Mirror.
• Handheld radio with extra battery.
• Gear Repair
• Cable / zip ties for gear repair.
• Sewing kit - needle and thread.
• Cutting blade and / or multi-tool.
• Watch or other timepiece with ability to measure seconds.
• Waterproof paper and writing device (e.g. rite-in-the-rain).
• Trail marking tape (brightly colored).
• Saw (optional).
• Camera.

PERSONAL PROTECTION EQUIPMENT (PPE):

• Helmet.
• Safety glasses / goggles for helicopter operations, ANSI Z87 rated.
• Climbing harness.
• Purcell Prusick set including two locking carabiners (minimum of 6 mm cord).
• 30 ft of 8 mm cord and / or 20 ft of tubular webbing.
• Leather gloves.
• Two pairs of medical exam nitrile gloves - store from the environment in a sealed plastic bag and replace annually.
• Earplugs (extra pair for subject).

SHELTER:

• Sleeping system - e.g. sleeping bag.
• Sleeping pad for ground insulation - foam or inflatable.
• Shelter - e.g. a bivy.

WINTER:

• Insulated, waterproof boots.
• Snow travel system - snowshoes or skis capable of uphill travel including poles.
• Snow shovel, avalanche beacon and probe.
• Chemical heat packs - hand warmers and blanket for subject.