The team therefore took time to evaluate the scene before approaching.

This was not a situation where moving quickly necessarily meant moving safely.

The rescuers needed to protect the injured man while also protecting themselves.

They prepared specialized equipment and established secure positions around the area.

Ropes were checked.

Harnesses were prepared.

Anchor points were assessed.

Communication between team members became constant.

Everyone needed to know what the others were doing.

A Rescue Built on Patience

From a distance, rescue operations can sometimes look dramatic.

People imagine helicopters, ropes, stretchers, and fast action.

But many difficult rescues are actually defined by something much less exciting:

patience.