Lake Mead's Preventative Search and Rescue Volunteer Program

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PSAR Volunteer duties:

The primary responsibilities of a VIP PSAR Volunteer are to provide hike safety messaging to the public to mitigate the number of injuries and incidents taking place on the park’s busiest and most strenuous trails. The volunteer may perform one of two main tasks of sharing hike safety messaging while stationed at a trailhead information table or hiking along a trail to provide safety messaging to the public hiking the trail.

PSAR Tabling Duties

• The volunteer will staff a stationary information station at a designated trailhead. The volunteer will provide high quality customer service and information in every contact they make.
• Utilize park radios to communicate with park dispatch about hiker incidents or visitor rule violations.
• Volunteer will interact with the public sharing safety messaging related to a trail’s unique hazards and other hike safety tips.
• If planning and preparation do not match, the volunteer works with the hiker(s) to create an alternative plan that would reconcile those components.
• If an alternative plan is not viable, or if the hiker(s) are unwilling to negotiate, the volunteer should provide education on signs and symptoms that are indicative of the on-set of heat or hydration related illnesses.
• During tabling explains basic requirements to visitors concerning safe hiking procedures in the Mojave Desert and trail specific information. Also gives information regulations to park visitors and provides advice on park activities and cultural, historical, and/or natural resources history within the park.

  Record Keeping

  • 'Patrol Logs’ capture the information necessary for the justification of the funding basis, allocation of resources, and logistical decisions. All volunteers need to complete these forms at the end of each patrol. All patrol logs will be distributed to the PSAR Volunteer supervisor at the end of their shift.

  PSAR Volunteer Physical Requirements -

  Physical Demands: Volunteer will be working outside in temperatures ranging from 45 degrees in the winter to 100 degrees in the spring and in a variety of weather conditions- rain, sun, daylight, evening, and high winds. Volunteer will be hiking solo over uneven terrain and up/down a variety of elevation gains. The volunteer must be able to carry a 20-pound pack with water, first aid kit, and park radio. The volunteer must be able to walk 3-7 miles in a day in the desert. The volunteer must be able to do some rock scrambling, walking narrow ledges and climbing ladders. The volunteer may be required to provide first aid/CPR to the level trained until requested help arrives in the case of a first-aid scenario.

  Environmental Hazards: Volunteer will be standing on and walking desert conditions which has a graded slope, loose gravel, and outside conditions. Work is generally done outside in direct sun and in temperatures that can vary widely. Temperatures ranging from 45 degrees in the winter to 100 degrees in the spring and in a variety of weather conditions- rain, sun, daylight, evening, and high winds. Volunteer may encounter vegetation pollen blowing and possible desert creatures like snakes, scorpions, spiders, and other mammals.

  Benefits/Training: As a NPS volunteer, you will receive on the job training about the National Park Service, Lake Mead NRA, and the surrounding areas. You will work with an Interpretation Ranger to receive an orientation of assigned park trails and resources. Volunteer will have the opportunity to work with people from diverse backgrounds and a love for the National Parks.

  Qualifications: Must be at least 18 years old, enjoy working with people from a variety of backgrounds, and have a willingness to learn about the park resources. Volunteer must be physically able to hike on uneven surfaces and up/down elevation gains. Must have the ability to function calmly and effectively under emergency conditions or in dealing with distraught/hostile/injured persons.

  Note: Must wear a NPS volunteer uniform. Volunteers must present a positive image of the NPS.