PROVO -- The Utah County Search and Rescue Team can always use volunteers who are physically fit, willing to train, work hard and subject themselves to being called out on a moment's notice to save lives.
There's no pay, no reimbursement for mileage, and members are expected to outfit themselves with as much quality gear as they can afford.In return, the experience promises to be personally challenging as well as rewarding.
"If a person is skilled and has the time and ability, we can use them. They should consider joining us," said Chris Johnson, a team spokesman who's been a member of the unit for nearly six years.
The team holds interviews for new members twice yearly, and applicants must be residents of Utah County.
Individuals interested in joining cannot have a criminal record and must agree to a background check. A good attitude and good health are absolute musts.
There are 40 positions on the team with more expected to become available as the 2002 Winter Games approach.
"We're being told to expect up to 12 calls a day during that three-month period. That's about 1,000 calls," Johnson said. "Right now, we respond to 200 calls in a year."
To prevent burnout and to be able to provide the top-flight rescue and service the team is proud to deliver, the team will have to be augmented.
"We take everybody that's qualified and willing to be trained," Johnson said. "And since it takes about 18 months to train on everything we do, we need to be starting to recruit now."
Volunteers in the unit include teachers, physicians, contractors and emergency medical personnel. State Sen. John Valentine, R-Orem, is a member. Two women are in the unit.
Members of the team are expected to respond to a percentage of the pages each year if they can possibly go. Usually that means missing a birthday party, an anniversary dinner or ducking out of a business meeting or a movie.
"We have a kind of a joke. If it's 10:30 p.m. on a Saturday night, don't order any food. The date's over," Johnson said.
For more information on joining the Search and Rescue Team, contact Johnson at 343-4130.