The Dyrt, a U.S. camping and RV app, and Ford Bronco have partnered to support volunteer search and rescue teams that respond to emergencies in remote areas nationwide.
Through the Bronco Search and Rescue campaign, donations made at thedyrt.com/bronco-search-and-rescue are matched dollar-for-dollar by Ford Bronco to double the impact.
According to a press release, volunteer search and rescue teams handle roughly 50,000 wilderness emergencies in the United States each year. These teams operate without federal funding and often rely on outdated equipment and limited resources while committing their time and expertise to save strangers in life-threatening situations.
Deputy Todd Rector, a search and rescue specialist who leads approximately 80 volunteers in Colorado, said, “Those guys are why we have a successful search and rescue program.”
His team responds to 60 to 80 callouts annually, ranging from helicopter extractions in mountainous terrain to retrieving a lost dog. Rector emphasized that every callout demands the same volunteer commitment.
The work carries hidden costs, including mental health impacts on volunteers. “There’s a very real effect on volunteers’ mental health down the road,” Rector said.
In small mountain communities, SAR volunteers are often friends, neighbors, or family members, making their role even more complex. Despite these pressures, teams maintain readiness for all emergencies, requiring diverse skills from technical rope systems to mapping software and logistics management.
The Ford Bronco matching program amplifies contributions to support essential equipment, training, and operational needs. Under the program, a $50 donation becomes $100, while $100 becomes $200, helping volunteer teams operate under tight budgets while responding to increasingly complex rescue scenarios.
The partnership also includes an editorial series detailing the challenges and successes of SAR operations and the role volunteers play in maintaining safe access to wild spaces.
Rector noted, “Success in the backcountry comes through education and experience and preparation,” underscoring the importance of public awareness and preparedness.
The campaign encourages outdoor enthusiasts to support SAR teams, learn from volunteers’ experiences, and prepare responsibly for backcountry adventures. Participants can make a tax-deductible donation, read frontline volunteer stories, and share the campaign to increase its reach.
“Every adventure into the wild carries risk. Every SAR volunteer stands ready to respond. This partnership ensures they have what they need when seconds count,” the press release adds.