BMC 2020/2021

Save the dates November 21 and 22, 2020. The classroom session for BMC will be held that Saturday and Sunday weekend at Volunteer Forces, 199 N. Hangar Way, San Bernardino, CA 92415. Please sign up at: https://forms.gle/j45QaRQFopytxnwa8. For members of San Bernardino county SAR teams, you must use your SBSAR email address.

At the end of the classroom session, participants will receive a certificate for Winter Alpine Awareness (WAA). This will allow you to participate on some non-technical winter missions involving snow. Individuals who are certified as Rope Rescue Operators (RRO) may go on to take the BMC field session. After completion of that two day field experience, you will be BMC certified and can attend all winter SAR missions.

Temporary BMC certification

Unfortunately due to COVID-19, RRO classes had to be cancelled this year. As noted above, RRO is prerequisite for full BMC certification. Hence this year, there could be a deficit of SAR members certified to attend full winter missions. To accommodate this, for the 2020/2021 winter only, temporary BMC privileges will be granted case by case. Individuals requesting temporary certification will be evaluated by the BMC instructors. All interested SAR members are required to take the classroom session on November 21 and 22, even if they are already WAA certified. Those interested please apply at: https://forms.gle/iWmhr92Nvotw7Sqn9.

The size of the class is yet to be determined. It depends on the status of COVID-19 during the two weeks prior to the class. It is possible there will be a waiting list with notification of acceptance the week prior to the class. The BMC instructors will determine who is allowed to attend. And, of course, it is possible the class could be cancelled entirely. Please be patient and understanding.