r/searchandrescue • u/Basic_Colorado_dude • 8d ago

To old to hoist?

I'm 41. I'm a medic and just got my BSN. I've been in the USMC for 22 years, so I'm decently in shape. Am I too old to join a hoist outfit? I work CCT now, so I know my way around flight medicine. I used to be a firefighter, so I know my way around ropes, rigging, and high angle rescue (or I did at one point).

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u/Werd2 8d ago

Not sure what your question is. In Colorado, the only current hoist program is the CHRT, which is a partnership between the Army National Guard (at Buckley and HAATS) and a small number of longtime SAR members from 4 professional volunteer Mtn SAR teams (Alpine, Aspen, RMRG, and Vail). So in Colorado, no, you’re not too old, but you’d have to put in a solid ~10yrs at least on one of those 4 teams before being considered for one of the volunteer (I repeat, volunteer) rescue hoist tech positions. Same story most other western states, excepting California and Las Vegas. Some rare HEMS services (mostly in the South) do a little hoist here and there. I don’t have 100% knowledge of all U.S. hoist programs.

Sounds like you have good medical quals, but not much rescue (especially Mtn rescue) experience. You can look at what California State Patrol, Los Angeles, and Las Vegas requirements and app process are, but I’d bet it’s very unlikely they’d jump someone from outside their agencies in front of all the other interested and qualified candidates already in their org’s, same with any other hoist program. Want to be the tip of the spear?—you’ve got to start at the handle.

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u/Firefighter_RN 8d ago

Formerly from one of those listed teams. Most members on hoist were 20+ years on the team but there were a couple in the 15-20 years range. You wouldn't join a team expecting to hoist in Colorado.

You can fly for IMH or ATCEMS or go law enforcement in Arizona, New Mexico, Utah, California, Nevada. Some are sheriff's departments, others are state organizations like CHP and DPS. Then you'll have to build seniority to get on. You're still likely looking at 10+ years experience

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u/BallsOutKrunked WEMT / WFR / RFR / CA MRA Team 8d ago

CHP you start as a regular patrol cop, even the pilots. I think *every* sworn leo job in CHP starts with academy -> patrol, then you can apply for things (like air ops) and go from there.

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u/Firefighter_RN 8d ago

Correct that's my understanding as well - that's why I said you'd need 10+ years for most of those options. Arizona DPS was rumored to have a direct hire pathway for civilian paramedics but I've had a job search going on 3 years now with them and never seen a spot posted

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u/Various_Piano_8053 2d ago

I'm Canadian so not as familiar for US military options but since you're active Marine couldn't you get an age waiver to go Navy/Coast Guard Rescue Swimmer or USAF PJ for domestic SAR? I've doing hoist work with both PJs and CG. Might still take a few years but quicker than 10+ for non-mil teams.