Perks....
I've saved more lives than I can count. I've brought (hopefully) some sense of closure to the families of those we haven't been able to save.
I have a second "family" that I know, without question, will put their lives on the line for me, and I will do the same.
Our training is free...GPS, Tracking, Map & Compass, Alternative Navigation, ATV, Vehicle use/recovery, CERT (Community Emergency Response Team), Communications/Radios/Repeater Systems, Rope work (High Angle/Low Angle), Helicopter, Wilderness Survival, Winter Survival, Desert Survival, Incident Management, etc....just to name a few that have crossed my mind....
Wilderness first aid courses are less than 1/2 price....
So, I've learned a heck of a lot, and have turned to teaching those who are new to the unit.
In the US, members of SAR teams (and other EMS folks) are able to forego Federal Jury Duty, upon request, as we're already serving the community.
When everyone else in the Courthouse on Monday mornings is talking about their "wicked" golf game over the weekend...I get to say I jumped out of a helicopter onto an avalanche path....:coffeedrink:
-H-