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Mountain Rescue Association

@mtnrescueassoc

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Founded in 1959, the MRA unites expert mountain rescue teams across the U.S. and the world to save lives and promote backcountry safety.

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Most SAR teams know 155.160 MHz. Many radios even have it labeled “MRA.” But where did that frequency come from—and are we actually authorized to use it?

This article takes a closer look at the history, licensing, regulations, and realities surrounding 155.160 MHz and radio communications in mountain rescue.

Read more at the link in our bio. by @mtnrescueassoc

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2 days ago

What happens when the person who needs rescuing is one of your own team members?

This Meridian article explores the importance of preparing for an “Incident Within an Incident” (IWI)—from making a clear emergency radio call to coordinating resources and managing the original mission while caring for an injured rescuer.

The takeaway is simple: we need to train to rescue ourselves, too.

Read more at the link in our bio. by @mtnrescueassoc

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5 days ago

The newest edition of the MRA Newsletter, the Fall 2026 Meridian is out! We'll be highlighting some posts from it over the next week on our social media.

Whole blood is becoming an increasingly important tool in emergency medicine—and it’s making its way into the backcountry.

This article looks at how whole-blood programs are changing what’s possible for critically injured patients in remote environments, including a real-world rescue where a patient received whole blood during a prolonged evacuation.

Read the full story at the link in our bio. by @mtnrescueassoc

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7 days ago

Search and rescue organizations across the country continue to face growing demand for their services, while many teams rely on dedicated volunteers to provide critical support in challenging environments.

This article from Backpacker highlights the demands facing today’s search and rescue community and provides insight into how individuals can become involved.

We encourage anyone interested in serving their community and developing valuable search and rescue skills to learn more about opportunities with local SAR organizations.

Link in Bio, or:

https://www.backpacker.com/survival/american-search-and-rescue-teams-are-overburdened-and-understaffed-heres-how-to-join-them/?scope=initial

Photo: Albuquerque Mountain Rescue (Photo: Steve Larese/Backpacker Magazine) by @mtnrescueassoc

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a month ago

New Maps Showing MRA Regions and Teams

We're excited to share a newly completed set of maps detailing the full Mountain Rescue Association network: every region, every team, all in one place.

The MRA is a national organization spanning two countries, 32 states, and nine regions, providing a unified voice and certification for 137 affiliated member teams. Seeing it all mapped out really drives home the scale of what this community accomplishes together.

This project includes dedicated maps for each individual region, plus a large-format map capturing every team and region across the entire MRA. The maps, along with the underlying GIS data, have been handed off to our new MRA GIS group, who'll keep them updated going forward alongside regional meetings and membership changes.

📍 Check out the full article and view all the regional maps at the link in our bio (or mra.org)! by @mtnrescueassoc

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3 months ago

As the use of drones continues to grow in search and rescue, California MRA teams are collaborating to develop shared training, operational guidelines, and best practices. Read how this statewide effort is helping build a more coordinated approach to UAS operations from this issue of the Meridian, link in Bio by @mtnrescueassoc

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3 months ago

This latest Meridian article explores current best practices for tourniquet use in the backcountry, helping rescuers and outdoor professionals better understand when these lifesaving tools are appropriate and what to consider in remote environments.

Link in bio. by @mtnrescueassoc

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3 months ago

The newest edition of the Meridian is here!

Over the next week, we’ll be highlighting featured articles from this issue, giving you a closer look at the stories, insights, and innovations shaping the mountain rescue community.

We’re kicking things off with the President’s Message—a look at where the Mountain Rescue Association is headed and the priorities guiding our organization.

Read the first article and explore the latest edition at the link in our bio. by @mtnrescueassoc

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3 months ago

Hey MRA teams. On June 18th at 6pm PST, we will be having another significant event debrief for our Third Thursday Webinar. Zoom info will only be sent to members and the meeting will not be recorded. Check your email or contact your teams’ MRA representative to join.

In June of 2024, a flash flood claimed the lives of 2 people recreating in their UTV on the Steelbender trail outside of Moab, UT. The sheriff's office actively searched for 9 days using helicopters, cell phone forensics, drones, ground teams, dog teams, and boat teams. This was a river-search after the river had dried up but included searching the Colorado River. Eventually the victims were located 2 miles and 37 miles from where their UTV was found. by @mtnrescueassoc

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4 months ago

Prior to the @mtnrescueassoc conference, attendees were able to grab a packraft safety and rescue course with @Lucmehl Triple Point Training. This was a combined class of search and rescue and Juneau community members. The crew learned a lot about risk assessment and rescue in Swiftwater with an awesome team of instructors! The Mendenhall River is prime for foot/leg entrapment with all of the jokulhlaup debris- keep your feet up, folks! taken in Juneau, Alaska by @mtnrescueassoc

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4 months ago

We’re excited to announce that Arc’teryx PRO will be joining us again this year at the MRA Conference.

Arc’teryx PRO will be hosting a Care & Repair Workshop, sharing hands-on expertise to help extend the life of your gear and keep it performing in the field.

They will also be hosting a Women in Rescue evening at Forbidden Peak Brewery on June 12th from 7–9pm. This is a great chance to connect with others in the community and share experiences, plus there will be a photo booth! by @mtnrescueassoc

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4 months ago

Drumroll please…..registration is now open for the 2026 Mountain Rescue Association Spring Conference!

For the last two years, JMR and @alaska_mountain_rescue_group have spent countless hours planning to co-host the annual @mtnrescueassoc Conference in Juneau, Alaska. We are excited to tell you about all the happenings, special clinics, and presenters in future posts!

To register, follow the link in JMR’s bio or visit https://www.mraconference2026.org

Conference artwork by @elevate_art_studio

#mountainrescue taken in Juneau, Alaska by @mtnrescueassoc

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6 months ago