Membership Policy

Transfers
Dual Membership
Membership Review
Prospective Members

Membership Criteria

Individuals applying to become members of the Alpine Rescue Team shall:

1. Not be an active member of another volunteer organization that provides emergency medical services or search and rescue services, or both. Approval for Dual Membership may be applied for after the applicant has become a member of Alpine. Dog Handler candidates with Search and Rescue Dogs of Colorado (SARDOC) may apply for membership and maintain their membership with SARDOC.
2. Not have received or been subject to any suspension, termination or other disciplinary action while serving as a member of another EMS or search and rescue agency, unless the Board of Directors approves a waiver of such requirements following a determination that the disciplinary action and its related circumstances do not at the time of application for team membership provide evidence of behavior which is detrimental to the team and its objectives.
   
3. Be required to provide a completed application, which describes the applicants areas of interest and background which supports their usefulness to the team.   
4. Have signed a copy of the Membership Agreement signifying they will:

                     Adhere to the By-Laws of the Team;
                     Adhere to the Policies and Procedures of the Team;
                     Adhere to the Code of Ethics of the Team.

      * For individuals applying for Field Active membership:

1. Not have any limitations, which would prevent qualification as a Support member of rank Support-4 (S4)
   
2. Have the personal equipment required for qualification as a Support member of rank Support-4 (S4).

       *For individuals applying for Associate or Technical Specialist membership:

1. Be required to go through a six (6) month probation period prior to being voted on the Team.
2. Associate members shall be recommended by the President and the Associate member Manager and approved by the Board of Directors.
3. Technical Specialist members shall be recommended by the Field Director and the Qualified Rescue Rank and approved by the Board of Directors.
4. Current Team members that are requesting a membership change to Associate or Technical Specialist are not required to go through a probationary period.
   

Transfers into Alpine Rescue Team

Participation in our Prospective Member course is strongly recommended for all new members. However, individuals who have served 2 years in good standing with another Regular Member Team from the Rocky Mountain Region of the Mountain Rescue Association can submit an application to waive the requirement of participation in the Prospective Member course. They must include a letter of recommendation from the operations leader of their former team.

Individuals requesting a transfer to the team must have a recommendation from the Field Director and Qualified Rescue Rank and approval of the Board of Directors. The applicant must be elected to membership in accordance with Article III of the bylaws.

Dual Membership

Members may receive approval to join other volunteer organizations that provide emergency medical or search and rescue services, provided they meet the following requirements:

The member shall be in good standing with Alpine Rescue Team, having met all attendance requirements for the past 12 months and maintained the skills required of their rank. Dual Membership shall have been recommended by the Field Director and the Qualified Rescue Rank and approved by the Board of Directors.

Factors that should be considered include, but are not limited to, the following:

1. Benefits to Alpine Rescue Team resulting from this Dual Membership
2. Time of service in Alpine Rescue Team
3. Level of commitment and attendance during Alpine Rescue Team functions
4. Level of commitment and attendance required by the other organization
5. Possible conflicts during functions involving both organizations

Members who apply for and do not receive approval for Dual Membership may reapply for Dual Membership no more often than once every 12 months.

Annual Membership Review

The membership review for membership categories requiring an annual review shall be conducted in the first quarter of each calendar year.

Prospective Members

Each year the Field Director and the Qualified Rescue Rank shall recommend to the Board of Directors for approval whether or not the Team shall hold a prospective member course the following year and the number of new applicants that will be admitted into the course by the first Board of Directors Meeting of the fourth quarter.