Volunteers demonstrate lifesaving techniques
Idaho Mountain Search and Rescue welcomed the public to its Boise headquarters Saturday for the organization's first open house, offering families a behind-the-scenes look at volunteer rescue operations ahead of the busy summer recreation season.
The event at the nonprofit's compound at 2519 S. Federal Way featured technical rescue demonstrations, K9 search teams, rescue equipment displays, and educational presentations designed to show how search teams operate in real emergencies.
Visitors watched volunteers demonstrate how rescuers secure and transport injured patients using rope systems designed for steep terrain and cliffside rescues, according to KIVI-TV.
"It was really cool to see their demonstration in person," attendee Garren Bowers said.
Carolyn Hennen, who attended with her husband Jeff, said the event gave visitors insight into the many responsibilities volunteers take on during rescue missions. The couple said a family member serves on the team.
"It's neat because at each station they explain what they do and how they do it," Hennen said. "It's a lot the average person like us wouldn't know until they pull the covers back and show us what they're doing."
Organization responds to 15 callouts so far in 2026
The open house comes as Idaho prepares for an increase in hikers, campers and outdoor enthusiasts during the summer months, a time when search and rescue teams often see a rise in emergency calls.
According to longtime volunteer Ron Christensen, the organization averages between 35 and 40 rescue missions each year and has already responded to 15 callouts from nine different agencies so far in 2026.
"To that person in need, it's extremely important," Christensen said. "And time is critical. Time can make the difference in terms of the outcome of a mission, and so we like to be called out sooner rather than later."
Christensen, 67, is a coordinator for the rescue operation and has spent 12 years either leading or participating in backcountry missions, according to Idaho Capital Sun. He is a Nampa resident.
Search and Rescue Manager Ron Christensen said many people are unfamiliar with search and rescue operations unless they've personally needed assistance.
"It's really a matter of providing some comfort," Christensen said. "If they find themselves in a situation where they might need assistance from search and rescue, they already have a little basic understanding about it and the capabilities we can bring."
K9 teams trained for multiple search scenarios
Brian Marinelli, a member of the unit's K9 team, said the organization's dogs are specially trained for a variety of search scenarios.
"We have dogs that are trained and certified to find live humans out in the wilderness or urban environments, and we have dogs that are trained to find subjects that have passed away," Marinelli said.
Throughout the event, volunteers spoke with families about mountain safety, rescue preparedness, and the many ways the organization assists agencies throughout Idaho.
The organization emphasized that its members are volunteers who dedicate their time and skills to helping people in emergency situations across Idaho's backcountry and outdoor recreation areas.
"We are all members of the community as well," said Brandon Mart, a search specialist on the drone team. "We are all out there sharing our outdoor spaces and we want to make sure everyone knows we are a resource for when you do get faced with those situations you are unprepared for. We don't charge for rescues. We are a nonprofit."
Nonprofit relies on community donations
Idaho Mountain Search and Rescue Unit is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with over 100 unpaid volunteer members, according to Idaho Gives. The organization was founded in 1959 and operates under the motto "Dedicated to Saving Lives Through Search, Rescue, and Mountain Safety Education."
Because the unit is entirely volunteer-run and provides rescue services free of charge, the organization relies heavily on community donations to maintain equipment, mapping software, and communication systems. Many volunteers balance rescue work with full-time jobs.
"We have to keep the lights on here, and we have subscriptions for our mapping software," Christensen said. "We have to maintain all our communication equipment, so yes, the cost continues."
During Saturday's event, Jeff and Carolyn Hennen donated a drone to the organization, helping offset operational costs and expanding the team's search capabilities in difficult terrain.
"A lot of the team is putting their lives on the line on a moment's notice," Jeff Hennen said. "Anything we can do to help increase the success rate and quickly find people, we're happy to do it."
The organization also raises funds by selling hot-buttered corn at the Western Idaho State Fair each year, according to Idaho Capital Sun.
Organization serves Southwest Idaho counties
Idaho Mountain Search and Rescue provides mountain safety education to community groups throughout Southwest Idaho, according to GuideStar. The organization delivers approximately 25 presentations to company, school, and club groups in a typical year. Examples include map and compass and ten essentials presentations.
The nonprofit serves Ada, Boise, Canyon, Elmore, and Owyhee counties, according to GuideStar records. The organization is trained and equipped to search for and rescue lost or injured people in off-road or remote areas.
Searches are conducted using current search techniques, tactics, and appropriate incident management skills, according to the organization's operational plans. Rescues are accomplished by litter evacuations on trails and scree slopes, and raises or lowers on technical terrain.
Saturday marked the first time the organization opened its headquarters to the public, according to KIVI-TV.
The organization responds when called by local sheriffs or other law enforcement agencies. Under Idaho Code, county sheriffs have primary responsibility for all search and rescue missions involving lost or stranded persons within unincorporated areas of their counties.