The Santa Barbara County Search and Rescue (SBCSAR) first responder team is a group of dedicated and highly trained search and rescue professionals volunteers who are committed to providing critical assistance and support during any search and rescue operation. As part of the Santa Barbara County Sheriff, our team provides a wide range of search and rescue services, including search techniques, medical response, high-angle rescue, swiftwater rescue, and avalanche rescue. We also provide training in navigation, communication, and survival skills necessary to operate in the challenging and dynamic mountain environments of Santa Barbara County.

Volunteers with SBCSAR are expected to be ready to respond 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and 365 days a year. Our team members are highly trained and physically fit, able to travel through a mountain environment in any weather for extended periods of time. Since its inception, our volunteers have spent thousands of hours honing their skills in all areas of rescue procedures.

Outside of Search and Rescue, the Team brings together a remarkable diversity of professional experience. From human resources professionals to software architects, marketing research consultants to project managers, and veterans of the Marine Corps, this team encompasses a wide range of skills and backgrounds. They are joined by software engineers, real estate professionals, and technical rescue instructors, each contributing their unique expertise. With members who have retired from professions such as general contracting, equine veterinary technology, and law enforcement, the team also benefits from a wealth of practical knowledge. Including healthcare professionals like veterinarians, nurses, and doctors further enhances their ability to handle medical emergencies. From educators and engineers to financial advisors and lawyers, this diverse group of individuals brings a multitude of perspectives and talents to their search and rescue endeavors.

We are committed to providing specialized equipment to our members, and we ensure that all members are fully prepared to provide critical assistance and support during any search and rescue operation. Most team members begin with limited experience but have the time, eagerness, and dedication to learn. Join us and be part of a dynamic team of search and rescue professionals who are dedicated to saving lives in our community. Be prepared for a demanding yet incredibly rewarding experience.