UNIT INFORMATION

Response Capabilities and Information

24-hour Activation: (541) 766-6911, and ask to be connected with a CMRU Mission Coordinator.

Corvallis Mountain Rescue Unit
PO Box 116
Corvallis, OR 97339-0116

2024 Executive Board and Committee Chairs

Bassel Ihsan President president(at)cmru.org
Doug Holdt Vice-President vp(at)cmru.org
Josh Bamberger Secretary secretary(at)cmru.org
Heather Fischer Treasurer treasurer(at)cmru.org
Emily Abrams Member-at-Large membership(at)cmru.org
Nathan Schomer Oregon Mountain Rescue Council
Representative

omrc-rep(at)cmru.org

Statement of Service
Corvallis Mountain Rescue Unit offers assistance, without charge, for search and rescue (SAR) in difficult areas and high-angle terrain. Skilled CMRU volunteers with mountaineering experience, trained in the many facets of technical alpine search and rescue, are available around the clock.

Philosophy of Operation
CMRU believes in the effectiveness of a tightly knit and highly trained team using the latest SAR equipment and techniques. Our target strength is 25 active members. CMRU seeks to enhance our knowledge and refine our procedures by continually seeking out and sharing information with other experienced individuals and organizations. The unit encourages and actively supports continuing SAR education for its members.

CMRU can operate by itself, or when its services are requested, CMRU works in conjunction with on-site personnel under the direction of other responsible agencies.

In an effort to maintain a high skill level, the unit holds two classroom training sessions and one field exercise per month. The unit also holds a monthly Executive Committee meeting and distributes a monthly newsletter to keep friends and members informed of our activities.

Unit Organization
CMRU is incorporated as a non-profit Oregon corporation recognized by the State of Oregon and the Internal Revenue Service as a 501c (3) tax-exempt, charitable organization. Donations made to the unit are tax deductible. CMRU is a member of the Mountain Rescue Association and the Oregon Mountain Rescue Council.

Membership Levels
Rescue members have the skills and leadership abilities to direct a SAR operation.
Support members have the knowledge and skills to safely contribute to SAR operations.
Trainees learn the necessary SAR techniques through an active training program.
(Rescue, Support and Trainee members are field personnel and are state SAR certified.)
Associate members are non-field personnel who have special skills and talents that are of value to the unit.

SAR Capabilities
CMRU is available to locate, treat, and transport lost or injured individuals. The unit's trained members and specialized equipment allow it to care for and evacuate individuals from glaciers, high faces, deep canyons, and irregular terrain. Pagers quickly alert unit members of SAR missions.

The unit maintains a 2009 Ford F450 4x4 Super Cab with 13' Utility Box Rescue Response Vehicle, which carries extensive rescue and medical equipment. CMRU has equipped the vehicle with communications and display facilities to allow its use as a command and control center.

Safety Education
CMRU provides speakers and demonstrations for school, civic, and church groups to educate the public about dangers they may face in wilderness settings and how to better enjoy their outdoor experience.

Membership Information
The unit seeks individuals who are sincerely interested in mountain search and rescue, and whose experience in the outdoors will be an asset on rescue missions and in public education programs. For information on joining CMRU see the Membership Information page.