TUCSON, ARIZ.—Two individuals were rescued yesterday after a Border Patrol Search Trauma and Rescue (BORSTAR) team responded to the scene of a rollover accident on Mt. Lemmon.
BORSTAR agents were called by Rural Metro Fire to assist in the rescue of a male and female who had driven off the road in a Jeep and were in a canyon 125 feet below the roadway. BORSTAR responded and provided assistance to the Southern Arizona Rescue Association mountain rescue team in extracting the individuals using a technical rope rescue technique to hoist them out of the canyon. Both passengers suffered multiple injuries and were stabilized before being transported via Lifeline to the University of Arizona Medical Center.
BORSTAR was created in 1998 in response to a growing number of migrant deaths along the nation’s border. BORSTAR agents respond to various emergency search and rescue situations anywhere in the United States. In addition to the more than 45 agents in this specialty unit, Tucson Sector Border Patrol also employs 1,000 agents trained as first responders; 250 as emergency medical technicians; and 15 paramedics.
Through the effectiveness of interagency partnerships, Tucson Sector Border Patrol is able to assist other federal, state, tribal and local agencies in life-saving rescues throughout southern Arizona.
Customs and Border Protection welcomes assistance from the community. Citizens can report suspicious activity to the Border Patrol by calling (877) 872-7435 toll free. All calls will be answered and remain anonymous.