Pat Caffrey, far left, instructs the Seeley-Swan Search & Rescue volunteers on high angle rescue.
SSSAR volunteers Dan Johnson and August Lockwood help Missoula County Sheriff's Office Sergeant Bob Parcell over the edge.
Pat Caffrey, white helmet, watches over as Dan Johnson descends with the litter.
SEELEY LAKE - Seeley-Swan Search and Rescue (SSSAR) volunteers trained for high-angle rescue July 20 near Double Arrow Lookout. Even though SSSAR has never had to perform a technical high-angle rescue, they hone their skills every three to four years just in case a situation arises in steep areas.
SSSAR Chief Gerry Connell defined high angle as 60-degree slope or more. While there are only a few places in SSSAR's coverage that would require a technical high-angle rescue, Connell said the volunteers need to be ready.
"We have all the gear to perform a high-angle rescue," said Connell. "This training gives us the opportunity to refresh our knowledge, check the equipment and repack it."
Eleven volunteers went through the training led by SSSAR volunteer and climber Pat Caffrey.
For more information about SSSAR or to join contact Connell at 210-1150.
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