Wellton, Ariz. - U.S. Border Patrol agents assigned to the Yuma Sector had to use their first responder skills in recent days to rescue five people.
On Monday afternoon, Border Patrol agents from the Wellton station located a man in distress just off Interstate 8 near Gila Bend. One of the agents trained and licensed as an Emergency Medical Technician rendered immediate first aid until advanced medical personnel arrived on scene. The man was transported to a nearby hospital by ambulance.
Just after midnight on Tuesday, a group of four illegal aliens activated a rescue beacon located in the desert east of the Gila Mountains. Agents responded to the activation and found the individuals near the beacon. An EMT-trained agent evaluated the group and rendered first aid to a female suffering from a hand laceration she sustained while crossing the border illegally. She was later transported to Yuma Regional Medical Center for further treatment.
The remaining three illegal aliens were determined to be in good condition and were transported to the Wellton Border Patrol Station for further processing.
The group of four illegally entered the U.S. on Saturday and quickly ran out of food and water after being stranded. The group became disoriented and was wandering in the desert for nearly three days when they discovered and activated the rescue beacon.
Last week, the Yuma Sector Border Patrol issued a heat safety advisory warning potential illegal aliens and the community of the dangers that are associated with the rising temperatures of the upcoming summer months. In response to the rising temperatures, Yuma sector agents are prepared and in a heightened state of readiness to render assistance and or first aid to reduce heat-related injuries along the Arizona border.
To report suspicious activity, contact the Yuma Sector Border Patrol's toll-free telephone number at 1-866-999-8727.