High Mountain Rescue Unit:
Guardians of Adventure
Text by Juan Puelles
They defy the altitude, the many obstacles thrown up at them and seem immune to the effects of soroche (altitude sickness). They are guardian angels who protect those who venture onto Peru’s great mountains, saving those in danger in every corner of the immense and solemn Andes.
The establishment of the prototype of the modern High Mountain Rescue Unit (USAM) of the Peruvian National Police grew from an event that occurred in 1954. A plane from TAM airlines (Military Air Transport) crashed in the Cordillera Huayhuash, a cluster of snowcapped peaks spread across the departments of Lima, Huánuco and Ancash. This tragedy made it clear that there was need for a unit whose role would be mountain rescue.
The modern-day USAM, the only unit of its kind in South America, was created in October 1998 and began its duties in June 1999. USAM is based in the beautiful city of Yungay, at the foot of the colossal peak of Huascarán, the highest mountain in Peru. From 2002, two more bases are to be gradually established in Arequipa and Cusco. The unit’s task is not restricted to high mountain rescue. USAM also rescues those in trouble on treks and is trained in water rescue techniques in lakes and rivers, meaning that all those who seek adventure in the extraordinary geography of the Andes do so under their protection.
The Rescuers
The members of USAM receive constant training in the techniques of climbing on rock, snow and ice, in addition to rescue techniques in those same conditions. The most renowned national and international climbers are used to train USAM members. Additionally, they receive training in first aid and paramedic techniques, as well as workshops in ecology, ecotourism, tourist protection, etc. USAM is provided with the most sophisticated equipment available anywhere in the world. A walk around their storeroom is eye-opening, and awoke envy in me. What climber would not feel the same in the presence of such equipment? Before my admiring eyes every famous brand of down jacket was paraded, together with the best tents, crampons, ropes, GPS etc.
The development of the modern USAM is the result of the efforts of one man who loves Peru’s mountains. National Police Colonel Luis Gárate Otero is the chief of the High Mountain Unit for Rescue and Tourist Protection (USAM). Colonal Gárate, through his own efforts and passion, finally brought his dream to fruition in October 1998, when the unit was founded. The unit now has three all-terrain vehicles (with more due to be assigned toUSAM soon), two helicopters and a number of highly trained mountain dogs.
Colonel Gárate points out, however, that mountaineers themselves must be aware of the possible dangers awaiting them in the highlands of Peru. Whether one is trekking, climbing (on rock, ice or snow), canoeing, hang gliding, paragliding or mountain biking, one should be aware of the risks, acclimatise adequately and not be negligent. Following this simple advice might mean the difference between life and death.
Impressed by such sophisticated equipment, and with my envy suppressed, I reflect and realise that if anything were to happen to me in the high Andes, then these men down here in the valley – these guardians of adventure – will selflessly do all they can to rescue me.