Santa Barbara County Search and Rescue Becomes a Certified Basic Life Support Provider

Santa Barbara County Search and Rescue (SBCSAR), long recognized for its dedication to delivering critical first aid and emergency response, has achieved an exciting milestone in its mission to protect and serve the community. The Santa Barbara County Emergency Medical Services Agency (SBCEMSA) has officially recognized SBCSAR as a certified Basic Life Support (BLS) provider. This certification builds upon the team’s existing capabilities, enabling its Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) to apply approved treatment protocols and expand the scope of pre-hospital care they provide in emergency situations.
Expanding Capabilities to Save Lives
As a BLS provider, SBCSAR team members enhance their ability to manage medical emergencies with airway management, and trauma stabilization elevating the quality of care they deliver in the field.
SBCSAR has appointed a licensed Medical Director to oversee medical services and ensure compliance with training, protocols, and continuous quality improvement initiatives.
Community and Agency Collaboration
This certification represents a strengthened partnership between SBCSAR and SBCEMSA, highlighting their shared commitment to community safety. The team will continue to work closely with local EMS agencies, participate in disaster drills and emergency planning, and align communication systems with county dispatch requirements.
Elevating Emergency Response in Santa Barbara County
Santa Barbara County’s unique and challenging terrain requires a highly skilled and adaptable search and rescue team. With their newly certified BLS capabilities, SBCSAR is better equipped than ever to respond to emergencies in both remote backcountry and urban settings.
A Bright Future
As a certified BLS provider, SBCSAR is poised to deliver an even higher standard of care,
reinforcing its longstanding role as a vital resource for residents and visitors of Santa Barbara County. This achievement reflects the team’s unwavering commitment to saving lives and meeting the unique challenges of the region.
For more information about Santa Barbara County Search and Rescue and their services, visit their website at sbcsar.org or follow them on social media @sbcsar for updates on their ongoing efforts to keep the community safe.
Santa Barbara County Search and Rescue
Donate now!sbcsar.net
Development Chair: Bruce Hickey
(805) 319-1399
Mission
Santa Barbara County Search and Rescue is an all-volunteer team, serving law enforcement, fire rescue, and emergency services in Santa Barbara County and the surrounding counties by mutual aid request. As a public service, SBCSAR provides trained SAR members to search, locate and rescue lost, missing, or injured persons upon the request of any official agency. We are on call 24/7, 365 days a year and respond in all terrain and conditions.
Begin to Build a Relationship
We know you care about where your money goes and how it is used. Connect with this organization’s leadership in order to begin to build this important relationship. Your email will be sent directly to this organization’s director of development and/or Executive Director.
SBCSAR exemplifies the highest standards of skill, dedication, and teamwork. With over 50 years as a SAR volunteer and president of the Raintree Foundation, I am proud to support a team whose professionalism and commitment to saving lives are unmatched. SBCSAR’s ability to respond quickly and effectively, whether in rugged mountain terrain, swiftwater environments, or urban settings, reflects their exceptional training and community spirit. Their volunteers consistently go above and beyond, bringing hope and safety to those in crisis. I deeply respect the countless hours these men and women invest to ensure others return home safely. SBCSAR truly embodies the spirit of service, courage, and excellence.
Great Rescue Begins with Great Gear
Long before a volunteer ever steps onto a trail or into a rescue helicopter, they need the tools to do the job. Santa Barbara County Search and Rescue is recruiting its next class of volunteers, and each new member must personally invest thousands of dollars in specialized equipment before responding to emergencies. Certified climbing gear, technical ropes, helmets, rescue packs, protective clothing, and medical supplies all come at a cost. A donation of $5,000 helps outfit one volunteer who will become the next generation of rescuers, ensuring they have the equipment they need to answer every call safely and effectively.
Key Supporters
Wood Claeyssens Foundation
Direct Relief
Bragg Foundation
Santa Barbara Foundation
JM Lazarus Foundation
Hutton Parker Foundation
