OFF HIGHWAY VEHICLE SEARCH AND RESCUE

El Dorado Search and Rescue's Off Highway Vehicle (OHV) Unit provides a crucial advantage in accessing El Dorado County's remote wilderness areas, traversing difficult terrain, and reaching those in need.

Specially trained, most of EDSAR's OHV volunteers are off-road enthusiasts who use their own vehicles and equipment for the good cause of saving lives. Although four-wheel drive vehicles are the most prevalent vehicles used, EDSAR's OHV volunteers also use their own All Terrain Vehicles, Utility Terrain Vehicles, and Snowmobiles. Deployment of the El Dorado County Sheriff's Office Sno-Cats may also be necessary

Through the generous support of donations by community members and a matching grant from The Latrobe Fund (no County funds were used), the EDSAR OHV Unit was able to acquire two Polaris General vehicles and trailers, one used by EDSAR's West Slope Team and the other used by EDSAR's South Lake Tahoe Team.

Although EDSAR OHV Unit's primary assignment is rescuing and evacuating search subjects, other assignments include:

• Rapidly searching areas and looking for prominent clues

• Performing reconnaissance for search pattern optimization

• Scouting trails and looking for accessible pathways, obstacles, and hazards for EDSAR's Ground Search Team

• Transporting Ground Search and Canine Teams and dogs to and from assigned search areas

• Transporting and setting up radio repeater systems

• Providing rescue support for off-road events such as the legendary Jeep Jamboree held annually in the Rubicon Trail