BUSAR

06/02/2026

EXPECTATION ➡️ REALITY

Our quarterly interagency training was originally planned to include support from G Company 1-111th MEDEVAC and UH-60 Black Hawks.

Unfortunately, weather had other plans.

While the aircraft couldn't participate, responders from across East Tennessee still came together to train on patient packaging, litter operations, and interagency coordination.

Search and rescue missions rarely go exactly as planned. Training shouldn't either. And it's a great reminder to all that the helos may not be coming to save the day.

Special thanks to Blount Partnership for letting us host the training at their location.

And thanks to everyone who participated:

• G Company 1-111th MEDEVAC • Townsend Fire Department • Blount County Rescue Squad • Blount County Special Operations Response Team • Knoxville Fire Department Special Operations Team • Great Smoky Mountains National Park • Team BUSAR • American Medical Response (AMR)

The helicopters didn't make it.

The rescuers did.

05/27/2026

BUSAR recently spent time with approximately 240 students at Sam Houston Elementary teaching practical outdoor safety and emergency preparedness through hands-on scenarios and exercises.

Students learned shelter building, emergency signaling, basic patient care, and simple survival concepts designed to help them stay calm and make good decisions in stressful situations.

The best rescue is the one that never has to happen.

05/22/2026

Conditions this Memorial Day weekend may be more challenging than many visitors expect.

Rain, slick terrain, low visibility, changing temperatures, and limited cell service can quickly turn a short hike into a difficult situation. Roads will be slick, the there may be fog and high traffic.

Before heading into the mountains:
• Check the forecast
• Carry rain gear and extra layers
• Bring water, food, a map, and a light source
• Let someone know your plans
• Don’t rely solely on cell service

Most outdoor emergencies start as small problems that slowly compound.

Preparation matters.

05/21/2026

Training before the mission.

This week our team trained alongside National Park Service PSAR personnel on technical rescue systems and field operations in the Smokies.

The terrain here doesn’t leave much room for mistakes. Repetition, communication, and preparation matter long before the call comes in.

Preparation is part of the mission. Thanks to the PSAR crew for hosting another great training.

05/14/2026

Ticks. Water. Norovirus.

Small mistakes in the backcountry can turn into big problems fast. One of our own, serving as Appalachian Trail Chaplain, shares practical trail wisdom every hiker should know.

Preparation prevents emergencies.

05/11/2026

Some came to learn. Some came to teach. Everyone left sharper.

This year at National Park Service BTRT-E in Shenandoah National Park, Team BUSAR members had the opportunity to serve both as instructors and students alongside rescue professionals from across the country.

Backcountry rescue demands constant training, humility, and a willingness to keep refining the fundamentals. Strong teams are built long before the mission starts.

Grateful for the opportunity to train, share knowledge, and continue learning beside dedicated professionals committed to the craft.

Thanks to the cadre, students, and for hosting.

05/10/2026

We’re incredibly grateful to Gary Lindsey Firecracker Fishing Tournament for their generous $5,650 donation in support of Team BUSAR.

Support like this directly helps us continue our mission assisting search and rescue operations in the Smokies, training, and backcountry safety education.

Every dollar strengthens our ability to serve when the call comes.

To everyone involved with this tournament, thank you for investing in preparedness, public safety, and supporting the mission.

Your support truly makes a difference.

05/05/2026

This past week, Team BUSAR had the opportunity to teach 500+ students at Alcoa Intermediate School what to do if they ever become lost outdoors

Stop
Stay Put
Shelter
Signal

We also gave them a look at what search and rescue does, the gear we use, and how help gets to those who need it.

Prepared kids are safer kids. Education is prevention.

For free outdoor safety resources and ways to support our mission, visit the link in bio.

05/04/2026

The legacy of Robert F. Lash, MD, a pioneer in regional air medical transport, continues to strengthen emergency care today.

Thanks to a $2,000 grant from the Robert F. Lash Memorial Fund, three Team BUSAR EMTs will attend advanced wilderness medical training through

We’re grateful for this investment in training, readiness, and the communities we serve.

Thank you to the Robert F. Lash, M.D. Memorial Fund, , &
for their continued support of our team's mission.

05/01/2026

In case you missed the full artcile

The most-visited national park in the country is seeing a spike in spring rescues. Along with emergency calls, search and rescue crews continue to see dangerous trends on specific trails.

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park covers more than 500,000 acres and sees more than 12 million visitors every year. With that vast area and volume of people, there are multiple search and rescue missions every month.

When it comes to where those calls are mainly happening in the backcountry, ground crews and responders in the air say there are definitely "hot spots."

🔗 https://www.wbir.com/article/news/great-smoky-mountains-national-park-tn/most-dangerous-trails-in-the-smokies-hot-spots-for-emergency-calls/51-59977c6a-ef1f-4934-a235-6ebf45a70ae3?utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook_WBIR_Channel_10

✍️ Katie Inman, 10News Anchor