The Pennington County Search and Rescue (PCSAR) team was formed in October 1973 to provide emergency services in and around Pennington County.

The purpose of PCSAR is to protect lives and property.  PCSAR assists fire departments, law enforcement agencies and ambulance services within the Rapid City-Pennington County area.

The team strives to maintain a roster of 30 volunteer members.  Funding for the team is provided by Rapid City, Pennington County, and private donations.

The volunteers of the team train an average of three nights per month and some weekends.  Total training hours for the team is approximately 3500 hours each year.  Most team members are emergency medical technicians and all are first responder medically trained along with all of the specialized training required for the services provided.

Extrication:  PCSAR performs extrication of victims of vehicle accidents.  This extrication equipment can also be used for farm or construction equipment extrication, aircraft extrication, train extrication, etc.  PCSAR is the primary provider of this service outside the city limits of Rapid City.  PCSAR also provides backup to the Rapid City Fire Department.

Search:  PCSAR performs searches for lost persons.  Several team members are qualified as search team leaders.  All team members are qualified as hasty search team members.  PCSAR has trained extensively with the use of air and ground scent dogs and can call upon these resources when needed.

Carry-out:  PCSAR will perform or assist in carry-out of accident or medical problem victims in remote areas.

Rope Rescue:  PCSAR can safely rescue someone who requires technical application of rope rescue.  There are several experienced mountain climbers on the team.

Cave Rescue:  PCSAR performs the rescue of victims in underground caves and mine shafts.  This often includes both searching for the victim and safely moving them to the surface.

Cascade System:  PCSAR has a mobile system for refilling air bottles; primarily air breathing apparatus used by fire departments.  This system can also fill diving bottles for the Dive Rescue Team.

Mass Casualty:  PCSAR has a vehicle equipped with supplies for a mass casualty situation such as an aircraft accident, bus accident, flood, tornado, etc.

Weather Watch and Rescue:  PCSAR members perform monitoring for early tornado and flash flood warnings, blizzard operations, and other weather-related emergencies.  The team operates two tracked vehicles for severe winter weather operations.

Trench Rescue:  PCSAR can remove victims of a trench cave-in.  Special bracing equipment, air support, heating, and lighting can be provided.

Mobile Command:  PCSAR has a vehicle equipped as a mobile command post.  The vehicle includes a full communications suite with all local and regional emergency services radio frequencies available.