CALEXICO, Calif. – Air and Marine Operations (AMO) out of Yuma, Ariz. and U.S. Border Patrol agents assigned to the El Centro Sector rescued a suspected illegal alien lost in the desert 25 miles east of the Calexico West Downtown Port of Entry on Thursday evening.
The incident occurred at approximately 6:30 p.m., when AMO agents observed foot sign going north from the International Boundary Fence towards Interstate 8. AMO agents followed the foot sign and encountered a woman north of Interstate 8 who appeared to be unconscious. AMO notified Border Patrol agents patrolling near the area.
Border Patrol agents arrived on scene, requested Emergency Medical Assistance (EMS) and quickly rendered first aid. A Border Patrol agent certified as an Emergency Medical Technician administered oxygen and performed rapid cooling techniques while they waited for EMS.
“Air and Marine Operations agents are highly experienced and skilled individuals, to track foot sign from the air ship is amazing,” said Acting Chief Patrol Agent Ryan J. Scudder. “Their actions allowed for our Border Patrol agents to respond and quickly render lifesaving aid to someone that otherwise would have perished.”
EMS arrived on scene and transported the woman to the Yuma Regional Medical Center for further evaluation and care.