Bellingham Mountain Rescue Council

📌 Training report: It's Fall in Whatcom County folks and that mean Training on dry Glacier. This is a vital aspect of our operations as BMR is one of the only response teams to the Volcanoes glacieated terrain. Our ability to respond in these remote areas is due to the hard work our unit members and trainers put it.

If you'd like to support the unit and our mission to serve the local community please consider making a donation - the link is in our Bio.
BMR is a 100% Volunteer response team available 24/7 at no cost .

Happy to work with such great people!

A couple things about Deputy Jordan Andersen are easily apparent. He loves the outdoors. And he has a heart for service.

When he’s not at work, Jordan enjoys time with his young family swimming, boating, camping and “losing golf balls.” And what about work?

Jordan not only knew – from the young age of ten – that he wanted to be law enforcement, he also knew he wanted to work in Search and Rescue (SAR). That, along with a wife who grew up in Blaine, is what brought the Stevenson, Washington native to the Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office (WCSO).

In this state, each county’s sheriff’s office is legally responsible to provide Search and Rescue services.

At WCSO, Jordan is one of three deputies and a sergeant who oversee SAR. When search or rescue is needed, they call on units within Whatcom County Search & Rescue Council, ranging from Bellingham Mountain Rescue, Emergency Comms, Whatcom Dive Rescue and Whatcom Co Search & Rescue 4x4 Unit to Summit to Sound Search & Rescue. Each of those units is staffed by volunteers.

“Everyone in SAR who’s in the field is there on their own,” says Jordan. “They’re not getting paid.” In fact, SAR volunteers pay for all their own equipment and required training – and donate their time.

“I never take for granted the hours they put in,” says Jordan. “You don’t watch the clock if you’re with people who like what they do – and want to do it.”

Jordan says the commitment of SAR volunteers is a big part of what makes his job so special. But perhaps he also contributes his own “special sauce.”

He came to WCSO with experience in both corrections (as the state’s youngest corrections officer at the time) and 911 dispatch, followed by seven years in the Air Force, including service overseas in Kuwait. It all contributed to the man who has a heart not only to serve, but also for those who are served. Especially when SAR locates someone who has already passed away.

“We wish we could locate everybody alive,” he says. But that’s not always possible. “If I had a loved one who went into the woods and did not come out, I would worry.” Jordan says at least SAR can demonstrate effort and provide closure. And hopefully some peace of mind.

Thank you for your service, Deputy Andersen.

Write up By Cascadia Daily on a recent call of ours - thanks to all who provided aid!

Unexpected storm, broken leg strand climbers on Mount Shuksan, leading to harrowing rescue | Cascadia Daily News Bellingham Mountain Rescue volunteer had taught, guided the man he came to save

BMR members came together for 3 days high up on Mt. Baker this weekend to refresh & sharpen our crevasse rescue skills. Being able to train and execute our systems inside of actual crevasses is a critical component to our mission readiness.

📸 : Ben Groenhout

📍This weekend, Bellingham Mountain Rescue responded to multiple wintertime rescues in backcountry areas near Mt. Baker.

On Saturday, BMRC team members responded to a solo skier that sustained multiple injuries after an avalanche accident. The skier was assisted by several nearby parties who rewarmed him and moved him out of avalanche danger. Rescuers assessed the patient and packaged him in our toboggan, where he was evacuated to Heather Meadows.

On Sunday, team members responded to another serious injury in the Hemispheres backcountry area outside Mt Baker ski area. Again, the patient was packaged in a toboggan and skied out to an awaiting ambulance.

Here's what can be learned from these two incidents:
❄️ Dont let powder fever catch you off guard! Don't let the excitement of fresh powder lead to bad decisions. Snow conditions are still thin in areas and unmarked obstacles may be covered with trace amounts of snow.

❄️ Hemispheres and Shuksan Arm are both backcountry areas. Even though they can be accessed via Mt Baker Ski Area, they are not controlled for avalanches and are not served by ski patrol. Rescue in the backcountry can be delayed for many reasons. Even if you're riding the chairlift, pack backcountry basics like warm clothes and first aid equipment.

❄️ Ski and ride with a partner, keeping them in sight and using good travel techniques, such as riding one at a time. Develop a communication strategy (cell phone, radio, inReach, etc...). Consider filing a trip plan with a trusted person.

BMRC does not charge for rescue. Equipment such as our carbon fiber rescue toboggan is purchased with individual donations. Consider supporting our missions via donation:
www.bellinghammountainrescue.com/donate

📍 Mission Report: On Saturday night Jan 17th
Bellingham Mountain Rescue was called out to help with an unstable lower leg injury in the Mount Baker backcountry. Fortunately, the subject was noted to be stable and well prepared to spend the night.
A rescue team responded first thing early Sunday morning and extricated him to higher care. Be careful out there friends! Things can happen when you least expect it.

BMR would like to remind folks that being prepared to stay the night is a foundational skill when recreating outside - and can often improve a tough situation.