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ABOUT CCSAR

trained and equipped for
mountain search and rescue

Custer County Search and Rescue

We are an all-volunteer organization trained and equipped for mountain search and rescue in all weather environments.
Within the organization we have teams that specialize in various rescue capabilities:
  • Technical Rope Rescue Team
  • All Terrain Vehicle (ATV)
  • Ground Pounders

Technical Rope Rescue Team

Specializing in accessing, packaging and evacuating subjects from difficult locations that require rope and technical skills for a safe operation.
  • Technical Rope Rescue Team
  • All Terrain Vehicle (ATV)
  • Ground Pounders

ATV Team

Consists of approximately ten members. They operate in non-wilderness areas to perform wide area searches of road and trails, carry heavy equipment and personnel to/from search or rescue sites. This team also performs welfare checks in winter and maintains CCSAR vehicles. They are often the first responders on a mission.
  • Technical Rope Rescue Team
  • All Terrain Vehicle (ATV)
  • Ground Pounders

Ground Pounders

The balance of the organization consists of generalists commonly referred to as ground pounders. Ground pounders break into small teams to carry out searches, give first aid to subjects, transport subjects to ambulance or Flight For Life helicopters in wilderness areas that don’t require technical expertise, and move equipment and supplies in areas that ATVs or horses can’t operate effectively.

Support Personnel

Support members may assist in non-emergency activities like fundraisers, administrative work, or vehicle maintenance.

They may also assist on missions in a limited capacity assisting with call-outs, check-in sheets, equipment check-out, mission logistics, obtaining and preparing meals for field personnel, etc.

image of a general membership meeting of Custer County SAR

Training

All CCSAR active members receive extensive and continuous training in mountain rescue techniques. There is required certification for Wilderness First Aid, CPR, and Flight For Life lift ticket courses held yearly at the CCSAR facility. Training is conducted during the monthly general meetings in avalanche awareness, map reading and GPS use, radio operation and procedures, search theory and techniques, strategy and tactics, medical equipment operation, patient packaging and handling, etc.

SAR, Produced by local Tristan Owen

We are so proud that the Custer County SAR team is featured in this special SAR Documentary. We invite you to watch this 16 minute documentary and to consider donating to support our all-Volunteer Team.

Special thanks to Westcliffe, CO Local Tristan Owen, Producer of SAR.

SAR, Produced by local Tristan Owen

We are so proud that the Custer County SAR team is featured in this special SAR Documentary. We invite you to watch this 16 minute documentary and to consider donating to support our all-Volunteer Team.

Special thanks to Westcliffe, CO Local Tristan Owen, Producer of SAR.

For rescue assistance call 911

If calling from outside Custer County, and you need to report an overdue party or need other rescue assistance in Custer County call Dispatch at (719) 276-5555 Ext 8

For Non-Emergency Inquiries call the Custer County Sheriff’s Office at (719) 783-2270

For rescue assistance call 911

If calling from outside Custer County, and you need to report an overdue party or need other rescue assistance in Custer County call Dispatch at (719) 276-5555 Ext 8

For Non-Emergency Inquiries call the Custer County Sheriff’s Office at (719) 783-2270

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