Deschutes County Search and Rescue Foundation

Foundation Mission

The mission of the Foundation is to increase resources, raise funds, and promote public awareness in support of search and rescue volunteer activities conducted by the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office.

Donate to SAR Foundation

Please consider donating to the Deschutes County Search and Rescue Foundation. Our efforts directly support the men and women who save lives and keep Central Oregon safe.

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Event Calendar

Join us around Bend and Central Oregon as our valued Sponsors host events in support of Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue. Come out and visit us!

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DCSOSAR News

Deschutes County Search and Rescue missions are reported by the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office. Read about the many rescues the DCSOSAR teams have performed this year.

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Thank You to Our Generous Sponsors!

Pine Mountain Sports
Les Schwab
10 Barrel Brewing Company
Subaru of Bend
Air Link
Bevel Brewing
OVMA
Gear Fix

The Foundation Mission

The mission of the Foundation is to increase resources, raise funds, and promote public awareness in support of search and rescue volunteer activities conducted by the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office.

The SAR Foundation is a 501C3 organization. Donations to the SAR Foundation are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law. Your contributions and support are important and allow us to keep saving lives throughout Deschutes County. We appreciate your kindness and would like to share with you the Donor Bill of Rights.

President: Andrew Heide
Secretary: Ed Weiser
Treasurer: Patty Hedges
Board Member: Karen Lite
Board Member: Ashley Cedzo
Board Member: Victoria Wang
Board Member: Colette Blum-Meister
Board Member: Bark Brown
Special Resource: Mark Tuttle
Special Resource: George Nutwell
Special Resource: Russ Petersen
Special Resource: Jacob Roe-Bauer

The 10 Essentials for Survival

  • NAVIGATION: A USGS or equal topo map, a properly declinated (14 degrees east locally) base plate compass, along with the knowledge of how to use them together. A simple GPS can also be quite useful as long as you’re familiar with how to use it and the batteries aren’t dead. A watch and cell phone should also be carried.

  • SUN PROTECTION: Sunglasses, sunscreen, hat (for hot OR cold, summer or winter weather)
  • INSULATION: The MOST important consideration: NO cotton clothing! Carry synthetic or wool layers, waterproof/windproof rain jacket/ pants; extra gloves/hat, and extra socks as required. Wear layers of clothing to adjust insulation to activity level and current weather. Stay dry to decrease the risk of hypothermia (which can be life-threatening).
  • ILLUMINATION: Headlamp or flashlight, with extra batteries.
  • FIRST-AID SUPPLIES: Basic supplies such as Band-aids, gauze pads, triangular and compression bandages, etc. Include any medications you may currently be taking and a bee sting kit if you are allergic.
  • FIRE: Waterproof matches, butane lighter or candle stubs, plus fire-starting materials (paste, etc.). Do NOT depend on making a fire in bad weather!
  • REPAIR KIT/TOOLS: Multi-tool (Gerber®, Leatherman®, Swiss Army knife, etc.), Duct tape. Don’t carry what you don’t need.
  • NUTRITION: High energy, no-cook foods, such as high-carb energy bars. Carry at least 200 calories for every hour you will be out.
  • HYDRATION: Extra water; take at least (1) liter for short outings and at least 2.5 liters for all-day excursions. Remember that extra water will be needed for hot or cold weather, drink continuously during your outing. Don’t wait until you are dehydrated!
  • EMERGENCY SHELTER: A Space blanket or bright plastic tarp (9’ x 12’) and a few large plastic trash bags. Bring something to insulate you from the ground, regardless of the time of year. You cannot dig a snow cave without a shovel, and you should not sit/sleep on snow without an insulating pad.

Compiled from information on Mountaineers.org