OFF HIGHWAY VEHICLE SEARCH AND RESCUE

TOUGH ON WHEELS

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.

El Dorado Search and Rescue Off Highway Vehicle Unit responds to a mission in the snow using their community-funded Polaris General and their own personal vehicles.

EDSAR OHV Unit responds to a mission in the snow using their community-funded Polaris General and their own personal vehicles.

El Dorado Search and Rescue Off Highway Vehicle Unit rescues a stranded vehicle and its passengers in a mountain snow storm

Rescuing a stranded vehicle stuck in a mountain snowstorm

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

To become a member of EDSAR's OHV Unit, individuals must possess a wide range of skills and undergo rigorous training such as:

El Dorado County Search and Rescue Off Highway Vehicle Unit takes advanced off-road driving safety course that mimics the terrain of El Dorado and Placer County's Rubicon Trail

Advanced off-road driving safety course mimics the terrain of El Dorado and Placer County's Rubicon Trail

Image of two hands holding a red heart that has the logo for El Dorado County Search and Rescue with text at the bottom in red that says "CLICK TO DONATE"

Our dedicated Off Highway Vehicle Unit volunteers selflessly donate their time, vehicles, and equipment to train and respond to search and rescue missions.

Your support will help us fund essential safety training, fuel, protective gear, and vehicle maintenance, ensuring they can continue their vital work.