Austin fire and police departments join forces to launch helicopter SAR team
The Helicopter Search and Rescue Team (HSRT) will provide its services to the Austin community in the US state of Texas
The Austin Fire Department (AFD) has announced a new partnership with the Austin Police Department (APD). Through the partnership it has launched HSRT, which will provide its services to the local community.
According to its social media post, AFD has a team of highly trained rescue swimmers, and 10 of them are currently working closely with APD’s Air 1 crews to master helicopter search and rescue (SAR) techniques.
These swimmers specialize in swiftwater rescue and are trained to respond to a wide range of water-related emergencies.
APD and the AFD first joined forces in the spring of 2024 to make the launch of the HSRT possible. They have been training in preparation for the launch for several months.
Electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) manufacturer Jump Aero has partnered with the Calhoun County Emergency Management Service in Texas.
Chloe Fox
Chloe Fox is an Senior Editorial Assistant for Voyageur Group, joining in 2024. She writes for AirMed&Rescue and ITIJ, covering a range of topics including international travel and health insurance, medical assistance provision, and air medical transportation. Chloe holds a BA (Hons) in English and an MA in English Literature from the University of Bristol.