KCSAR Myths

So now you know who they are. They are the people that the news stations refer to when “a search is underway”. They are the teams that roll out of bed at all hours and go out into the back-country to find missing or lost people. They find evidence, follow tracks and bring people out of the wilderness and back to safety. But there is still a lot of confusion and questions about how Search and Rescue operates. So let’s straighten that out a bit.

Let’s debunk some myths about search and rescue.

1. You won’t get in trouble for calling them. While KCSAR is under the jurisdiction of the KC Sheriff, they aren’t there to bust you. They are there to help you out of trouble in the backcountry or on trails. They would prefer you call them sooner rather than later. This gives them a better chance of finding you in good condition and sending you home as healthy and happy as possible. SAR would much rather be part of the rescue and not have to be part of the recovery.
2. You don’t get a giant bill for the operation and efforts surrounding your rescue. All of KCSAR is volunteers. They are supported by donations.
3. KCSAR does not have a set staff “standing by”. All the people who do this, do it because they want to help people in the backcountry that need it. All the KCSAR workers do what they do completely voluntarily, because they are passionate about it. They are real people. They all have day jobs. They work in software and retail, the medical industry and outdoor recreation. But the thing they all have in common is they spend their own time off the clock being prepared and versed in Search and Rescue function so they are ready when the call comes.