Who pays for search and rescue missions?
Many search and rescue groups participating in the missions, including PMR, are volunteer and self-funded, so they do not charge for their services. In most cases, only government agencies and contracted participants, such as the attending Sheriff’s Office or an ambulance company, contribute to taxpayer costs. The charges involved are actually quite similar to search and rescue activities conducted away from the mountains. It is important to note that the costs can be theoretically higher if victims are charged for their rescue. The Mountain Rescue Association has developed a position statement against charging for rescues. Click here to view the statement on the MRA website.
