First responders train with new rescue equipment for faster, safer migrant rescues in Yuma

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) - Rescue missions along the border can be dangerous and challenging, which means every second counts.

That's why the Yuma Fire Department (YFD) received new equipment aimed to improve efficiency and safety during these operations.

Rescue operations often require multiple agencies working together and that team work was on full display. YFD, Border Patrol, among others took part in joint training exercises using new equipment.

YFD Battalion Chief Alvin Luedtke says, "It's all one big team. All we're trying to do is just make sure people are safe whether that's the citizens of Yuma, our law enforcement partners, and ultimately, the migrants themselves."

Before this new equipment, YFD only had a single resource to help during migrant rescues. Now with four new tools, they can respond quicker and be more efficient.

David Padilla with YFD gave a demonstration of these new tools including magnetic paddles and line launchers.

"You can physically use these magnets, connect our ropes to them, and because they're rated for such a heavy weight, we can hang from them or physically climb the border wall," said Padilla. "The gun loads up with air, it's compressed air, and then it launches a grappling hook or a launching pellet that will take the rope up and over the border."

Padilla also demonstrates features of a portable ladder and a power ascender.

"The ladder connects it's all sectioned off. It hooks together so it stores really small and then we can physically climb the border wall using this ladder," he explained. "We can actually run our rope through this system. We close this hatch up and then either remotely for on the device itself. We can clip into it and ride the ascender up and down."

YFD says this new equipment will not only will aid in migrant rescues, but it will also improve emergency response for the entire community.