The final chapter shows the high-angle team at work. Specialized rescue teams are common throughout the US, though organization style varies widely.
Some types include:
Extrication (<--most common)
Search and Rescue
Dive
High-Angle
Cave
Wilderness
Beach/Marine
Hazardous Materials
Infection
Vehicle
Confined Space
Technical
Swift Water
Urban
Silo/Grain
Yeah, there are a lot.
Local Emergency Medical Agencies analyze a region’s particular risks and work together on training and funding. These teams are often staffed by individuals from multiple agencies (like we see in “Crossing the Line”) and funded by all of the areas they serve—a situation called mutual aid. This set-up makes specialized teams more accessible for a wider geographical area, but it does mean that response times are often long which can change the goal from rescue to recovery.
There are many volunteer opportunities—some require minimal training. Contact your local EMA or Red Cross if you are interested in helping.