Socorro Andino is now
an Official Member of ICAR
- International certification obtained in 2025
About ICAR
The International Commission for Alpine Rescue (ICAR) is a global non-profit organization dedicated to improving safety and efficiency in mountain rescue operations worldwide. Founded in 1948, ICAR unites mountain rescue teams, air rescue units, alpine medical professionals, avalanche specialists, and safety experts from more than 30 countries.
ICAR’s core mission is to develop and share best practices, technologies, and knowledge in mountain rescue, and to foster international collaboration among professional and volunteer rescue services.
Our Core Missions
ICAR operates through four specialized technical commissions that focus on different aspects of rescue and safety in mountain environments.
Terrestrial Rescue
Rope systems, search techniques, and stretcher operations
Air Rescue
Helicopter rescue operations and protocols for rapid response in inaccessible zones.
Avalanche Rescue
Avalanche prevention, response, and search techniques to save lives in snow disasters.
Alpine Medicine
High-altitude and wilderness medical care for hypothermia, altitude illness, and trauma.
ICAR in Action
Watch our teams perform life-saving operations in some of the world’s most challenging environments.
Join ICAR
Become part of the global network of elite mountain rescue professionals
✅ Who Can Apply?
- Mountain rescue organizations (professional or volunteer)
- Air rescue services
- Medical associations involved in mountain or wilderness medicine
- Avalanche rescue teams
- Government agencies or national alpine rescue services
- Scientific or training institutions focused on rescue in mountainous areas
📝 Requirements for Membershi
- Be actively involved in alpine or remote area rescue
- Have a defined structure and team with training and operational protocols
- Participate regularly in rescue missions (especially for full/active members) Be endorsed or recognized at a national or regional level
- Agree to support ICAR’s goals, ethics, and standards
- Be ready to contribute to ICAR events, congresses, and activities
3-Step Membership Process
Contact ICAR
Express your interest via email or our website
Submit Application
Provide organizational details and rescue statistics
Attend ICAR Congress
Present your organization for final approval
Key Information & Resources
Contact ICAR
Here you can find important documents related to ICAR, its regulations, membership information, and other resources.
Click the link to download the document.
Contact & Official Website
For more details or direct inquiries, you can visit the official website or contact via email.
Membership Benefits
Joining ICAR offers significant advantages for mountain rescue organizations and professionals:
- International recognition and credibility
- Access to the latest research, standards, and rescue techniques
- Participation in annual congresses and technical workshops
- Opportunities for networking, training, and development
- Representation in a global alliance of elite mountain rescue professionals
Board of Directors
Meet the board members who lead our international mountain rescue organization and collaborate with Socorro Andino Peruano.
Franz STAEMPFLI
ARS Alpine Rettung Schweiz
Marie Nordgren
SVERO
Markus Hölzl
Bergwacht Bayern
Gebhard BARBISCH
ÖBRD Österreichischer Bergrettungsdienst
Stephanie Thomas
American Avalanche Association
Charley SHIMANSKI
MRA Mountain Rescue Association, USA
Dr John Ellerton
MREW Mountain Rescue England and Wales
Marcel MEIER
ARS Alpine Rettung Schweiz
Volker Lischke
DRK Bergwacht
Dan Hourihan
MRA
Alexis Mallon
ENSA
Renauld Guillermet
GSM
Peter Zimmer
LandSAR
