We’re trained and equipped firefighters who respond to various technical rescues in the Rocky Mountains, addressing hazards like rivers, lakes, steep embankments, and mountainous terrain.
Eagle River Fire Protection District firefighters are trained and equipped to respond to multiple types of technical rescue. As our district is nestled in the heart of the Rocky Mountains, the local landscape can present a multitude of hazards and risks for our residents and guests. The ERFPD district includes the Eagle River, several lakes and ponds, steep roadside embankments and mountainous terrain; all of which present unique hazards that our Firefighters must prepare for.
Our technical rescue disciplines
High-angle and low-angle rope rescue
ERFPD Firefighters utilize advanced rigging systems, ropes and harnesses to safely raise or lower victims out from mountainous terrain, cliffs, and tall structures.
Swift Water Rescue
ERFPD Firefighters are equipped and trained to perform water rescues in swift-moving rivers, streams, and flood conditions. The Eagle River, among other bodies of water, is a large draw for recreational rafters and kayakers. The Eagle River can, at peak times, have Class V rapids and surge as much as 5,000 CFS.
Ice Rescue
RFPD Firefighters are trained and equipped to safely retrieve individuals trapped on frozen bodies of water or in icy conditions. Our Firefighters utilize special equipment that allows them a measure of buoyancy as well as insulation from the cold to help extricate victims from ice surfaces or supremely cold waters.
Trench Rescue
ERFPD Firefighters are trained to extricate victims from collapsed trenches or excavations. These rescues are extremely complicated, and Firefighters will utilize shoring equipment, air monitoring devices, rope rigging systems and heavy machinery to aid in extricating victims from these events.