GREENVILLE, Texas — Greenville Fire-Rescue firefighters are training with a new piece of specialized rescue equipment designed to improve operations during complex emergency incidents.
The department recently conducted hands-on training with the Arizona Vortex, a portable high-point anchor system used during technical rescue operations.
The Arizona Vortex allows rescue crews to safely raise, lower, and redirect victims or rescuers when no suitable elevated anchor point is available. The system can be deployed during a variety of emergencies, including confined space rescues, trench rescues, and rope rescue incidents.
Before placing the equipment into service, firefighters are receiving practical instruction on how to properly assemble, deploy, and use the system in real-world scenarios.
The training was led by Greenville Fire-Rescue Captain Himes, who guided crews through exercises designed to familiarize firefighters with the Arizona Vortex's capabilities and applications.
Fire department officials emphasized that regular training is essential to ensuring crews are prepared before an emergency occurs.
"The best rescue is one that's already been practiced long before the call comes in," the department said in a statement. "That's why we train, so when someone needs us on their worst day, we're ready."
Greenville Fire-Rescue said the addition of the Arizona Vortex strengthens the department's technical rescue capabilities and helps ensure firefighters are equipped to safely respond to a wide range of specialized rescue incidents.
