Search and Rescue

I live within sight of Mount Hood, Oregon. No matter the season, it is usually covered with snow, often with clouds, and is a magnet for climbers, hikers, campers and outdoor activity. Unfortunately, with that activity comes the need for search and rescue, and that is often performed by volunteers. Dr. Christopher Van Tilburg is one of those volunteers, and he tells his story in this book.

=== The Good Stuff ===

* Van Tilburg has a story to tell. He is a member of a local search and rescue organization, and he describes numerous rescues as well as his “day job” at a local hospital. He describes the challenges of having a medical career, and yet being available on a moment’s notice for a rescue mission. Van Tilburg is also honest about the toll the constant “on-call” takes on his life, and even his motivation for rescues.

* There is limited technical detail on the rescues, but enough to get a good feel for the challenges of searching and aiding victims in an inhospitable mountain environment. Van Tilburg is able to communicate the effort required to locate someone in hundreds of square miles of wilderness, and then either assist or carry them to safety.

* I was also fascinated by the discussion of the organizational requirements of a search and rescue organization. The author describes the formal certifications required, the need to evaluate and screen recruits, and the nature of the relationship between the volunteers of the search and rescue organization and the formal command of the sheriff and rescue authorities. It seems like a very convoluted system, but one that works pretty well.

=== The Not-So-Good Stuff ===

* The book could use a good editor. The material is organized in a somewhat haphazard manner, and frequently jumps topics and viewpoints. The book was interesting enough that I was able to ignore these issues, but the book could have been so much better.

* While I understand his frustrations, and admire his commitment, Van Tilburg can come across as a bit of a complainer. It is hard to fault a doctor who volunteers his time after a long medical shift, but the repeated mention of it adds nothing to the narrative.


=== Summary ===

The book had a few issues, but was interesting enough that I overlooked the problems and just kept reading. Van Tilburg captures the nature of a search and rescue mission, including the preparation, risk, skills required and the range of possible outcomes. He does let his frustrations come through, both at the need to rescue careless hikers and the need to juggle his many personal and professional obligations In the end, the book is a tribute to himself and all the other volunteers who regularly give their time, and risk their lives, to attempt to save others.

This book was written by a doctor who is an avid hiker and climber himself. He has collected stories from around the world and starts the book with his own story of rescue and recovery. Many of the rescues sited are from Mount Hood in Oregon. The book talks about how SAR teams operate, and gives helpful hints about how to survive in the wilderness.