Joshua Tree Search and Rescue (JOSAR) was formed in 1982 in order to provide professional rescue response within Joshua Tree National Park. JOSAR members are dedicated individuals trained in safe and efficient responses to emergencies. JOSAR specializes in high angle technical rope rescue and search for missing persons in rugged terrain and difficult environmental conditions.

Team Objectives

1. Safety First: Safety is the utmost priority of JOSAR. Team members are trained in safe
and efficient means for finding and rescuing missing and injured persons.

2. Preventative SAR: JOSAR is dedicated to the recognition of potential SAR problems, elimination
of hazards where possible, and educating park visitors.

3. Pre-response: Pre-response consists of those activities, in advance of the SAR
operation, which ensure prompt and effective response. Joshua Tree National
Park has several standardized SAR equipment caches throughout the park that
provide for this efficient response to emergencies. JOSAR members train
regularly with this equipment and utilize their training to preplan incident responses.
Pre-response activities are an attempt to develop a SAR Organization which can
cope with the most difficult situations and carry them through to a successful and
safe conclusion.

4. Response: JOSAR uses nationally accepted techniques in wilderness search and rescue. The
team provides for the most effective and efficient use of resources to safeguard human life and hasten the recovery of lost, injured, or stranded individuals. JOSAR provides quick and safe response by trained personnel employing effective SAR techniques with appropriate equipment.