JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-CHAPMAN TRAINING ANNEX, Texas – Four Special Warfare Airmen rescued an injured climber on January 7, 2021 in Ouray, CO.
The Airmen were conducting job-skills training at an ice climbing park at the time of the incident. While on the ice wall, practicing rescue techniques, a civilian climber was injured by a rock falling down the canyon wall.
“We all heard ‘Rock!’ Indicating a falling object from above. I witnessed it strike the climber,” said Tech. Sgt. Joseph, section chief of individual skills, 351 Special Warfare Training Squadron. “She cried out and the instructor we were with, who was a local mountain rescue team member, called for an immediate evacuation.”
The Airmen, along with several other civilian medical professionals, were able to respond quickly and move to her location on the canyon wall. Upon evaluation of her injury, it was determined she needed care right away. The Special Warfare Airmen were able to use on-scene equipment to render aid.
“We worked with civilian medical personnel to stabilize her in a vacuum mattress stretcher, put her in a litter and hoist her up to the top of the cliff. Local paramedics transported her to get further care from there,” said Joseph. “We’re just thankful we were able to help and get her to the care she needed.”
Air Force Special Warfare (AFSPECWAR) is comprised of ground combat forces that specialize in airpower application in hostile, denied and politically sensitive environments. Members of AFSPECWAR are employed to provide global access, precision strike and personnel recovery capabilities across the spectrum of conflict and the multi-domain battlefield.
For more information on AFSPECWAR career fields visit: https://www.airforce.com/careers/indemand-careers/special-warfare.