2011 Year End Summary

2011 Year End Summary:

In 2011 BAMRU participated in 28 missions, logged 2352 human-hours on missions , and 6120 human-hours  (1769 more than last year!) on training, in addition to countless hours which each member logged to enhance personal skills, knowledge, and abilities. We also saw seven membership promotions and reluctantly but proudly let other members go to pursue their dreams.

The team was also able to make a good dent in our fundraising goals thanks to Cal Hoagland and the fundraising committee. We hope to continue this trend in 2012 in order to maintain our readiness which relies on team equipment and skills for our members.  If you would like to help us in this endeavor, you can donate here:  http://www.bamru.info/donate 


Looking forward to a safe and happy 2012!   

Free Topo Maps

BAMRU is a heavy user of GPS and Mapping tools, and has deep experience with a variety of products. Having quick access to current maps is critical for our team.

One of our members has developed CalTopo, a website with printable USGS topos for all of California. It's faster and more convenient than any service we've seen. CalTopo was created for search and rescue teams, and now for the first time it is available to the general public.

Give CalTopo a try, and if you like it, please consider making a tax-deductible contribution to BAMRU. Learn More

BAMRU thanks Planet Granite

BAMRU is grateful to have gotten a generous offer of support from Planet Granite (PG), a local business with climbing gyms across the Bay Area.

PG has long been the favorite climbing gym of many BAMRU members, and some have actually been employees of PG over the years.  PG's generous discounts for BAMRU members are already helping to build and maintain the climbing skills and fitness of our team.

On Dec. 9th Eric Leong presented a Certificate of Appreciation from BAMRU Unit Leader Tom Grossman to Renee De Angelis, co-owner of Planet Granite.

Learn more about Planet Granite at http://planetgranite.com.

Assistance and Donation

Last weekend climbers approached a BAMRU team near the summit of Mt. Conness, during the sudden onset of a dangerous thunderstorm.

BAMRU assisted the climbers in a rapid descent, using multiple rappels and a rope-assisted stream crossing, on steep rock under pouring rain and hail. Following that, we executed a 10-mile night-time hike out to the nearest trail head, crossing deep streams and ridges along the way.

Today we are grateful to have received a donation from the climbers. Thanks Christine and Yiwen!!

BAMRU is a volunteer organization that depends on donations. This is the second donation BAMRU has received from persons that we have assisted this year. For more information on donating to BAMRU, please visit http://bamru.org/donate.html.

Accident and Donation

During a training this week, BAMRU gave assistance to a biker who had crashed nearby.

The biker wrote to say thanks:

I had a bike wipeout on Kings Mountain Road this afternoon, and was fortunate that a BAMRU training exercise was taking place right at that spot. The team took charge of the situation and took great care of me! Thanks, and keep up the good work!

The biker also made a contribution to BAMRU using our PayPal donation link! Thanks!!!

Philips AED Donation

Philips Medical Systems has generously donated a Philips HeartStart FR2+ automated external defibrillator (AED) (http://www.medical.philips.com/main/products/resuscitation/products/FR2plus/index.wpd) to BAMRU via their HeartStart Giving Program.

By doing so, Philips Medical Systems has proven its commitment to saving lives. "Early defibrillation and quality CPR have been proven to save lives. The FR2+ AED, with its clean, uncluttered design is optimized for fast, efficient operation and rapid delivery of life-saving therapy. Commands are clear, streamlined, confident, and concise: ideal for responders who are trained, drilled, and ready to save a life now." BAMRU is grateful to Philips Medical Systems for their generous donation and their commitment to saving lives.

Iridium Communications Supports BAMRU

In 2009, Iridium Communications (http://iridium.com/) generously donated an Iridium 9505A (http://iridium.com/products/product.php?linx=0001) satellite phone and service to BAMRU. Because of this donation BAMRU was able to maintian vital communication on multiple high-profile searches in areas of California where all other outside forms of communication failed. Iridium Communications recently announced that it would be continuing donated phone service to BAMRU through 2010. BAMRU is very grateful to Iridium for the continued support of search and rescue.