48th RQS Airmen participate in high angle rescue training

A pararescueman from the 48th Rescue Squadron traverses a ravine on a highline at the Coronado National Forest in Tucson, Ariz., Sept. 16, 2016. Airmen from the 48th RQS completed a week of high angle rescue training where they were taught to use ropes to extract someone who may be stranded at the bottom of a ravine. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman Nathan H. Barbour)

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48th RQS Airmen participate in high angle rescue training

A pararescueman from the 48th Rescue Squadron descends into a ravine from a highline at the Coronado National Forest in Tucson, Ariz., Sept. 16, 2016. The 48th RQS provides highly trained experts capable of executing personnel recovery operations across the spectrum of conflict. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman Nathan H. Barbour)

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48th RQS Airmen participate in high angle rescue training

A pararescueman from the 48th Rescue Squadron traverses a ravine on a highline at the Coronado National Forest in Tucson, Ariz., Sept. 16, 2016. Airmen from the 48th RQS completed a week of high angle rescue training where they were taught to use ropes to extract someone who may be trapped at the bottom of a ravine. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman Nathan H. Barbour)

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48th RQS Airmen participate in high angle rescue training

A pararescueman from the 48th Rescue Squadron traverses a ravine on a highline at the Coronado National Forest in Tucson, Ariz., Sept. 16, 2016. The 48th RQS deploys Guardian Angel forces worldwide in support of national security objectives and homeland defense. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman Nathan H. Barbour)

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48th RQS Airmen participate in high angle rescue training

A pararescueman from the 48th Rescue Squadron ensures the safety of a rope system at the Coronado National Forest in Tucson, Ariz., Sept. 16, 2016. The 48th RQS provides highly trained experts capable of executing personnel recovery operations across the spectrum of conflict.

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48th RQS Airmen participate in high angle rescue training

Pararescuemen from the 48th Rescue Squadron stand by for a team member to cross a ravine on a highline at the Coronado National Forest in Tucson, Ariz., Sept. 16, 2016. The 48th RQS deploys Guardian Angel forces worldwide in support of national security objectives and homeland defense. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman Nathan H. Barbour)

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48th RQS Airmen participate in high angle rescue training

A pararescueman from the 48th Rescue Squadron traverses a ravine on a highline at the Coronado National Forest in Tucson, Ariz., Sept. 16, 2016. The 48th RQS recovery teams have saved hundreds of lives in combat and noncombat situations. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman Nathan H. Barbour)

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48th RQS Airmen participate in high angle rescue training

Published Sept. 29, 2016
By Airman Nathan H. Barbour
355th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

DAVIS-MONTHAN AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. -- Pararescuemen are required to be proficient in multiple rescue techniques. They are honing their skills and learning new ones when they aren’t deployed.

The 48th Rescue Squadron recently completed a week of high angle rescue training.

“The culmination of this entire week is being able to [arrive] at one location as a team and move through a mountainous environment, as well as incorporating the isolated personnel you have rescued,” said 1st Lt. Nick Sola, 48th RQS combat rescue officer.

The Airmen were taught to use ropes to extract someone who may be stranded at the bottom of a ravine.

“It’s part of our annual training plan, which is what we do every year prior to our deployment,” Sola said. “The high angle training block keeps us ready for mountain rescue and recovery.”

The career field training plan for pararescuemen enables them to be save lives anywhere they’re needed.

“It’s an extremely valuable skill set, not only do we use this when we’re deployed, but also if local agencies need help or manpower, we are available to go out,” Sola said. “Not only can we stay busy while we’re deployed, but while we’re home stateside, we still have a mission. It’s awesome being able to rescue someone anyplace, anytime and in any environment.”

Training plays an important role in accomplishing the 48th RQS’ mission of deploying Guardian Angel personnel worldwide to conduct rescue operations in any environment and execute the full range of personnel recovery functions and tasks.

“The basics of being a parararescueman are being a technical rescue expert and having a very strong medical capability,” said a high angle rescue training participant. “The rope rescue is the base of our technical rescue skill.”