Search and rescue training imperative to safety
In Sunday’s edition of the Butler Eagle, we learned that the Pennsylvania Search and Rescue Council hosted its annual training summit the weekend of April 21 through 23 at Camp Bucoco, where more than 140 members of search and rescue teams across the state went to brush up on their techniques.
We hear all kinds of calls in the newsroom, but search and rescue operations are always particularly nerve-wracking. We don’t often think about it until it happens, but it’s comforting to know that we have well-trained individuals in place when the need does arise.
Chris Ruch, chief of Allegheny Mountain Rescue, said that despite the advancement of technology that has helped streamline search efforts, human and animal trackers remain the key to successful search and rescue operations.
“There’s definitely new techniques and new technology,” Ruch said. “There’s new mapping tools and drones, but for a lot of situations you still need boots on the ground to search.”
There are some things that machines simply can’t accomplish. Most of us would sooner trust a human with our lives than technology.
Ruch said that while many search and rescue departments have ongoing training for their staff members, the summit gives responders a chance to train with people they normally wouldn’t work with.
“Successful search and rescues use all kinds of efforts,” he said. “It’s really when everyone is working together that these things are successful.”
These teams are hugely important to saving lives. We are grateful to everyone who dedicates their time to making sure others are safe.
— CM
