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The team was activated and assisted with an after-dark recovery in the Sandia Mountains.

Three Rope Rescue Technician courses were held in October for approximately 30 members from all three departments. The Rope Rescue Technician training is the cornerstone for technical rescue, and is one of the most frequently utilized disciplines by our team.

In the same time frame, three members were sent to the Structural Collapse Rescue Technician training at TEEX where they learned the fundamentals of safely stabilizing damaged structures and rescuing trapped individuals.

A Trench Rescue Technician course was also held for approximately 15 members, where they learned to stabilize trenches in order to perform rescue activities.

Two members were recently sent to the Technical Search Specialist Training provided by TEEX. The members were trained to perform technical auditory and visual searches of rubble piles, collapsed buildings, and other situations where individuals may be buried. The team members learned the tactics and techniques to efficiently detect and locate, based on amplified spacial sound mapping, individuals who would otherwise go undetected in a collapse situation. Using technical search techniques allows for rescuers to locate victims and perform rescue activities as quickly and efficiently as possible, minimizing wasted time digging through an entire pile of rubble.

After attending the training, the team members returned and trained other team members on the basics of how to perform a technical search, greatly enhancing the capabilities of all departments involved as well as the team.

The team was activated to assist with a search and rescue (SAR) mission in the Battleship Rock area. The team began search operations in the evening of August 28th when the initial 911 call was placed. On the 29th, New Mexico SAR took over as the incident had become a wide area search, requiring additional personnel. The team continued to assist with search operations by providing personnel and specializations. On August 30th, the team was reactivated for recovery efforts requiring high-angle rope techniques.

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