"Without our new rigs and pulleys, rescuers would have to put themselves in a more dangerous position by traveling down the same way the victim fell. Firefighters placed the patients in a specially designed rescue basket and hoisted them up using ropes and pulleys, while one rescuer rode with the patient coaching them through what was happening and watching vital signs. This equipment couldn't have come at a better time" said Captain mosh Baker. "We are lucky to have the tools we need in order to be effective rescuers. Before we received this equipment, this would have been a lot more dangerous of a rescue for the victim and the rescuers."

In the past South Hays Fire Department has relied on mutual aid from the City of San Marcos to assist with these incident types. The newly purchased equipment will allow South Hays to provide an initial response to specialized rescue incidents and to provide reciprocal mutual aid to San Marcos Fire & Rescue and surrounding communities. As part of the grant, South Hays took delivery of a swift water rescue boat and firefighters have been training hard to master the new equipment. Fire Chief David Smith said "Our scope of practice has really broadened over the past few months requiring South Hays to re-evaluate our rescue mission capabilities and develop a greater focus on these types of rescues." South Hays administration would like to thank the hard work of our volunteer first responders and the community for their support and devotion as we continue to grow and perfect our trade.