Is the BLM required to furnish EMS at the ISDRA? What is the Imperial County responsibility?
Imperial County is responsible for EMS and has contracted ambulance companies and designated a search and rescue division managed by the Sheriffs Department. Congress has not granted any authorities to the BLM for search and rescue except in Sec. 312 of the Federal Lands Management Policy Act [43 U.S.C. 1742] which states “Where in his judgment sufficient search, rescue, and protection forces are not otherwise available, the Secretary is authorized in cases of emergency to incur such expenses as may be necessary (a) in searching for and rescuing, or in cooperating in the search for and rescue of, per-sons lost on the public lands, (b) in protecting or rescuing, or in cooperating in the protection and rescue of, persons or animals endangered by an act of God, and (c) in transporting deceased persons or persons seriously ill or injured to the nearest place where interested parties or local authorities are located. It is under this authority that the BLM assists Imperial County in the Imp
