To save lives and lessen suffering
ANDROSCOGGIN VALLEY SEARCH AND RESCUE (AVSAR) is a privately owned, non-profit, 501(c)(3) organization that was founded in 1988, becoming a non-profit in 1993. It is a charitable and educational association which was established “to save lives and lessen suffering.” Its mission is to assist New Hampshire Fish and Game, U.S. Forest Service, and other rescue agencies in carrying out backcountry search and rescue operations in the White Mountain National Forest (WMNF) region and in promoting safety in dispersed outdoor recreational activities.
While centered in the Gorham-Randolph area, its members — around 80 people — reside in all corners of the WMNF region, and respond to authorities’ requests for assistance throughout the area when called upon. AVSAR members are volunteers and have “day jobs” which include state park personnel, forest rangers, mountain guides, educators, contractors, accountants, IT personnel, small business owners, and others. Their outdoor experience varies, ranging from three-season hiking in the WMNF to technical climbs on peaks throughout the US (including Alaska), Europe, South America, and elsewhere.
Most AVSAR members have medical training ranging from basic first aid to EMT. They all share a passion for the outdoors, and an interest in “giving back” by helping others to the best of their abilities.
If you’re interested in supporting AVSAR, please visit our donations page to make a tax-deductible donation. We accept many forms of payment and we appreciate all that you can do to help us in our mission to help save lives and lessen suffering. If you’re interested in becoming part of the AVSAR Team please check out our application page.
To discover a more detailed history of AVSAR, check out this article in our blog.