By Aidan Mortensen | KOAL News | Photos courtesy of the Emery County Sheriff’s Office

 You never know when disaster may strike.

First responders from Carbon and Emery County always carry this mentality. Because of this, countless training sessions are held to prepare for these unforeseen occurrences. On April 7-10, members of the Emery County Sheriff’s Office/Emergency Management and Carbon County Emergency Management held a multiday exercise to run through scenarios they may encounter in the field.

Day One of these training operations took attendees to the Hunter Power Plant, where they were tasked with a high-angle rescue, a confined space rope rescue, and a hazmat spill rescue and decontamination. “So many of our rescues on the San Rafael require skills that our ropes team train on regularly. We’ve been told by many agencies throughout the state that our ropes team is one of the best there is,” shared ECSO in a social media post.

Rope rescues are a necessity along the San Rafael Swell. The Emery County Search and Rescue team had to perform one in July of last year in the Zero Gravity Slot Canyon.

Day Two of the training saw participants travel along the San Rafael Swell to Cow Canyon. “This included equipment checks, practice repels and lifts in preparation for the main exercise scenario the following day,” said the department. With heavy traffic expected over the summer for the San Rafael Swell, these trainings aim to prepare first responders for the terrain and challenges the desert poses.

On day Three, rescuers combined the previous scenarios, repelling 100 feet down and lifting a partner back up the ledge while in a basket. During this training, the Utah Department of Public Safety Helicopter team assisted in the hoisting and transportation aspects of the exercise. 

Emery County Communications Specialist Jeff Guymon rounded things out with a communications exercise.

“We occasionally have people ask if they can donate to help fund this type of training and equipment for the Emery County Sheriff Search and Rescue Team,” said the department. Donations can be made through the following link. “We appreciate the support we get from all of you.”