Frequently Asked Questions
Answers about emergencies, joining the team, donating, and more.
In an Emergency
If I'm lost or injured in the mountains, what should I do?
Call 911 immediately. Do not wait to see if the situation improves — calling early, even if you think you can manage on your own, gives rescue teams the best chance to reach you before conditions get worse (darkness, weather, injury progression). When you call, be ready to give your location, the nature of the emergency, how many people are with you, and GPS coordinates if you have them.
Will I be charged for a search and rescue mission?
No. Search and rescue services provided through the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department are completely free, including missions that require specialized equipment or helicopter support. Cost should never be a reason to delay calling 911 if you or someone in your group is in genuine danger.
Does Montrose SAR use helicopters?
Yes. Many missions involve the LA County Sheriff’s Department’s Air 5 helicopter, and the team also works closely with LA County Fire Department helicopters when additional aviation support is needed. Air support helps reach remote or technical terrain quickly for searching, transport, and hoist rescues.
What area does Montrose Search and Rescue cover?
About 95% of our missions take place within roughly 250 square miles of the Angeles National Forest in the Los Angeles District. The team also travels elsewhere in California, and occasionally out of state, when requested to assist with a rescue or recovery.
What's the non-emergency number if I need to reach the team but it's not a 911 situation?
Call our non-emergency line at 818.248.3464, or contact the Crescenta Valley Sheriff’s Station directly.
About Montrose Search & Rescue
Is Montrose Search and Rescue a government agency?
We’re a nonprofit, 100% volunteer team operating as one of eight Search and Rescue teams affiliated with the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department (LASD). Our members are a mix of LASD Reserve Deputies and Civilian Volunteer Specialists — nobody on the team is a paid, full-time rescuer.
How long has the team been around?
Since 1947. We started as the Montrose Mountaineers, a group of Civilian Air Defense members who wanted to help people who became lost or injured in the local mountains. The team has responded to thousands of calls since.
How busy is the team, really?
Very. We handle between roughly 125–195 calls a year, which makes us the busiest search and rescue team in Los Angeles County and one of the busiest in the state. We’re on call 24 hours a day, every day of the year.
What kind of training do team members have?
Every member is trained and certified as an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) and through the Mountain Rescue Association (MRA). Many also have specialized training in swiftwater rescue, mine and underground rescue, and technical rope rescue. Training is ongoing — it doesn’t stop once someone becomes a full member.
What kinds of rescues does the team handle?
Our missions range widely: searching for lost hikers or skiers, evacuating injured hikers and climbers, swiftwater rescues during flooding, extrications after vehicles go over mountain roads, rescues from mines and tunnels, body recoveries, and response to urban disasters like building collapses.
Who are the people on the team?
A mix of everyday community members — business owners, medical professionals, engineers, contractors, teachers — who all volunteer their time on top of full-time jobs. What they share is training, commitment, and a willingness to respond at any hour.
Joining the Team
Can anyone apply to join Montrose Search and Rescue?
There are baseline requirements: you must be a U.S. citizen, at least 20½ years old, live locally with a quick response time to the station, and be willing to complete an EMT-1/NREMT certification along with Mountain Rescue Association training and testing.
What's the first step if I'm interested in joining?
Attend a monthly team meeting. Meetings are held the first Wednesday of every month at 7:00 PM at the Crescenta Valley Sheriff’s Station (4554 Briggs Ave, La Crescenta, CA 91214). Email join@montrosesar.org if you’d like to attend one.
How long does the application and training process take?
It’s a significant commitment. Before a formal interview, applicants typically attend meetings, trainings, and ride-alongs over about six months. If accepted, the Probationary Member (trainee) phase runs another 12–18 months of structured training before someone becomes a full team member.
How much time does membership actually require?
Active members are expected to respond to about 25% of the team’s 175+ annual calls, attend team meetings and trainings, and commit a minimum of roughly 30 hours a month on average. Trainees have even higher participation requirements while completing their certification.
Do I need to already be an EMT to apply?
No — but you will need to obtain your EMT-1 and pass the National Registry (NREMT) exam during the process. Many applicants complete this as part of joining rather than before applying.
Who can I contact with questions about membership?
Reach out to the Community Services Office — Sgt. Gilbert at (818) 236-4027 or Deputy Ruiz at (818) 236-4026 — or email join@montrosesar.org.
Donating & Support
Is Montrose Search and Rescue a registered nonprofit?
Yes, we’re a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Donations are tax-deductible (Federal Tax ID #95-3311945), and you’ll receive a receipt for your tax records after donating.
What do donations actually pay for?
Rescue vehicles (specialized rescue trucks can run well over $350,000), technical climbing and rescue gear, personal protective equipment for members, and ongoing training. The team receives no charge-for-service revenue, so donations directly fund the equipment that keeps rescues possible.Rescue vehicles (specialized rescue trucks can run well over $350,000), technical climbing and rescue gear, personal protective equipment for members, and ongoing training. The team receives no charge-for-service revenue, so donations directly fund the equipment that keeps rescues possible.
How can I donate?
Three ways: through our PayPal donation page, via Zelle using Donate@MontroseSAR.org, or by mailing a check to PO Box 404, Montrose, CA 91021-0404.
Does my donation help pay for rescues directly, or something else?
Rescues themselves are always free to the public — no one is ever billed by Montrose SAR, the Sheriff’s Department, or LA County Fire, including for a helicopter transport. Your donation instead supports the equipment, vehicles, and training that make those free rescues possible.
Wilderness Safety
What should I bring with me before heading into the Angeles National Forest?
At minimum: more water than you think you’ll need, a headlamp with extra batteries, layered clothing for temperature swings, a paper map or downloaded offline map (don’t rely solely on phone signal), and a way to signal for help. See our full Wilderness Safety page for detailed guidance by season and activity.
What if I don't have cell signal when I need help?
Move to higher, more open ground if it’s safe to do so — signal is often better there. If you truly cannot get a signal, texting 911 sometimes works in areas where a voice call won’t connect, since texts require less bandwidth. Conserve phone battery in the meantime.
Are there seasonal hazards I should know about?
Yes — conditions in the Angeles National Forest change significantly by season, from ice and snow in winter to flash flood risk near burn-scarred areas after rain. Check current forest closures and conditions before you go, especially in areas affected by recent wildfires.
Join Us
The Team is always looking for new members to join and carry on the tradition of the Team. If you would like to be a member of the team and want to make a difference in the lives of those in need, you are invited to attend our monthly team meeting.