Volunteer with BMG

Backcountry Medical Guides is based in Bellingham, and that matters to us. We ride, run and hike these trails. We show up to these races. We're part of this energetic, engaged community, which is why we're proud to serve as the EMS volunteer coordinator for some of the best outdoor recreation and cultural events in the Pacific Northwest.

Events we've supported include the NW Tune-Up, the WMBC Whatcom World Cup, and Fire & Story (Paper Whale). The lineup grows. So does our volunteer team. If you hold a current EMT-Basic certification or higher -- whether you're a Paramedic, WFR, RN, PA, or MD/DO -- we'd love to have you on the crew.

North West Tune-Up 2026

Fourth Corner PunkFest

CALL FOR VOLUNTEERS

Every July, the Bellingham Waterfront and Galbraith Mountain host one of the most exciting events on the Pacific Northwest calendar. Thousands of attendees. Four days of bikes, music, and culture. BMG serves as the EMS Volunteer Coordinator and first aid liaison for the full event, July 10--12 (plus the Freehub MTB Film Festival on Thursday, July 9).

Volunteers are stationed at key positions across both the waterfront and Galbraith, radios in hand, working in coordination with event ops and local emergency services. Every station is equipped with a field kit provided by BMG. You work within your scope, just solid, well-coordinated care.

In return: a full festival pass, an North West Tune-Up medical t-shirt, and the knowledge that folks had a safer weekend because you showed up.

July 18–19, 2026 // The Landing at Evil Bikes // Fairhaven, Bellingham

The largest punk rock festival in the Pacific Northwest is coming to Fairhaven! Fourth Corner Punk Fest is two days, 24 bands, and a crowd that is into it. Pennywise and Bouncing Souls are headlining. Local food trucks, flash tattoos, mohawks, and an all-ages vibe that lives up to its "all are welcome" reputation. We're looking for EMT-Basic or higher to volunteer as EMS support both days. In exchange, you'll get a festival pass and a t-shirt.

Sign-ups opening soon. We're finalizing a few details and will have the form live shortly. Check back here or keep an eye on your inbox.

Volunteer Shifts + Times

  • Galbraith Mountain: 9:30am – 4:30pm (Thursday, Saturday, Sunday)

  • Waterfront — Day shift: 8:45am – 4:15pm (Thursday, Saturday, Sunday)

  • Waterfront — Evening shift: 3:45pm – 11:15pm (Saturday, Sunday) / 3:45pm – 10:15pm (Thursday)

Want the full picture before you sign up? Read our Field Notes post: We're Proud to Support Northwest Tune-Up 2026 →

Sign up to volunteer →

OTHER EVENTS WE SUPPORT

Throughout the year BMG provides EMS management and medical coordination for events including:

WMBC Whatcom World Cup- Eight Wednesday evening races on Galbraith Mountain each spring. Fast, fun, and very Bellingham. Read about our partnership with WMBC →

Fire & Story (Paper Whale)- A beloved Bellingham cultural event. We're proud to help keep it safe.

North West Tune-Up- An annual mountain bike festival drawing thousands of riders to Bellingham each July.

Fourth Corner Punk Fest- The largest punk rock festival in the PNW, hosted annually at The Landing at Evil Bikes in Fairhaven.

And more. Volunteer windows for each event open separately throughout the year. If you want to be on our radar when a new opportunity opens up, reach out. We keep a list.