We Welcome New Members to Our Team!

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

HOW TO BECOME A MEMBER

We welcome people with backcountry experience; however, no experience is required to join our team, just some enthusiasm, a flexible schedule, and a basic level of commitment.

We hold periodic new member training sessions throughout the year. Prior to the start of a new cohort, we hold a general information session for those interested to learn about our team, and the time commitment involved to become a member. If you are interested in joining a cohort, or have any questions, please contact Allison Chan by email at achan@atalayasar.org.   She will inform you of the date of our next information session.

We look forward to meeting you!
​Allison Chan
Vice President of Atalaya Search and Rescue

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ACTIVE MEMBER QUALIFICATIONS
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The following is required in order to become an Active Team Member on Atalaya Search and Rescue: 

• You must have completed an Application Form
• Have attended 4 total weekend trainings
• Have attended 5 total team meetings
• Have passed a Qualification Hike
• Have passed ICS 100 and 200 online tests
• Have passed a New Mexico Field Certification Test. For more information and specific test details please visit the New Mexico SAR Council Website. (May be an internal test officiated by Atalaya SAR, provided that an official state test is passed within one year.)
• Current CPR/BLS or higher within 1 year​

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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.