Ethan Baham, Davis County Search and Rescue

Being a member of the Davis County Search and Rescue team involves many rigorous and physically trying activities, including finding people who have gotten lost in the mountains, fallen from a high cliff, and saving people who have gotten into a difficult situation.

The Davis Search and Rescue is an all-volunteer group that is always looking for new members. Ethan Baham is one of the newest volunteers who has been accepted by the team of about 35 members.

Baham started the process of applying for the team by filling out an interest form. He then met with the Davis Search and Rescue board, who voted him in as a member. He then filled out a 15-page application and a background check was done. Everything checked out okay, so he was accepted as a member of the team.

Baham is 23 years old and lives in Kaysville. He is a student at Weber State University and currently works for a local doctor’s office. He was recently married. His wife is very supportive in his efforts on the search and rescue team. Baham has his hands full with many responsibilities.

A training process that takes about three months follows your acceptance by the DCSAR board. Baham has completed his training and has been a member for about nine months. When his year mark comes up, Baham will be officially voted on by the board. “It is a learn-as-you-go process,” Baham said. On-the-job training is how the members of the team learn what to do. The more calls Baham gets sent out on, the more experience he gains.

Team members carry a pager and are beeped every time there is a call. If members are available they are expected to respond to the call. They are expected to respond to as many calls as possible.

“The team expects 75 percent attendance,” Baham said.

Members then go to the site of the rescue and do all they can to save the person.

Many skills are required to be a member of DCSAR. Every member must be in good shape and able to carry a heavy pack while hiking or running. Repelling and medical skills are helpful but not necessary. Each member must be willing to give his time, money and effort to the team at all times.

Baham has learned many things from being a member of DCSAR. “Search and rescue can be demanding, but is also very rewarding,” Baham said.

He describes it as a great experience to be able to help people and also get training.

“I love it,” Baham said.

Baham has discovered much about his own life and the tragic things that happen in the world. It is an important job and takes generous members to volunteer their time to help others.