Behind the scenes of a water rescue
The Palm Springs Mounted Police Search and Rescue, fire department and police units worked hand in hand to accomplish a daring rescue during Thursday’s record-breaking storm.
“We’re able to supply them with 200 ft rope, carabiners, pulleys, this is some of the equipment we use,” said Doug Stevens, a volunteer and safety coordinator for PSMP-SAR.
Stevens revealed an up close and behind the scenes look at the resources needed to carry out rescue like yesterday’s on Mesquite and Farrell.
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“We have a 150-foot rope, we can actually we have a helmet, goggles, a harness for them,” Stevens said.
Rescues used gear like this to save a young man trapped for hours on an island embankment as crews strategized the best way to bring him to safety.
“It took them several attempts it was a very difficult thing to do, the water was cold a lot of the firemen were close to hypothermia because the water was so cold,” Stevens said.
Stevens said numerous factors made this specific rescue so tough.
“You’ve got cold water. You’ve got raging water, debris on top of that you don’t know what could stab you or poke you,” Stevens said.
Stevens said intense training and tons of preparation are put into action when lives are the line.
“It just kicks in it becomes second nature. You remember all the things you’ve done during training and how you could react in that stressful situation,” Stevens said.
Stevens hopes the public remembers that risky choices in dangerous weather can impact lives other than your own.
“I think people forget rescuers put their life on the line to save the person in trouble,” Stevens said.
The Palm Springs Search & Rescue team is currently attempting to raise funds to replace their 20-year-old vehicle for a new Jeep. A GoFundMe has been started for community members who would like to help.
