As an organization we specializes in technical rescue, search, winter and wilderness medical care allowing us to have a wide range of capabilities.
High Angle Technical Rescue:
High angle rescue involves working around and on vertical or near vertical faces where rope systems are essential for safety and often needed for travel. In a typical scenario, the rescuers will rappel to access the patient, and use a mechanical advantage system to raise them to a point of safety. These scenarios frequently require more complicated techniques like tyrolean traverses, high lines, or lead climbing for more efficient patient access.
Low Angle (Scree) Technical Rescue:
Low angle rescue involves working in situations where travel by foot is possible, but there is still risk of injury if a fall were to occur. Rope safety systems are used to prevent injury, and to aid in moving the patient. Albuquerque Mountain Rescue Council uses specialized equipment such as high strength, lightweight collapsible titanium litters and litter wheels to allow rapid, safe evacuation of ill or injured parties over the rough and varied terrain of the Sandias and other mountains in New Mexico.
Winter Technical Rescue:
Technical rescue during winter involves all the complexities of high and low angle rescue, with the added risks and challenges of deep snow, ice and hostile weather conditions. Albuquerque Mountain Rescue Council uses the SKED stretcher and other smooth bottom transport devices to allow rapid and safe evacuation over snow, ice, and varied terrain. We can place ice screws or snow anchors, and will use crampons, ice axes, skis or snowshoes when needed for safe and rapid travel.
Avalanche Rescue:
We have many members who are AIARE Level 1 & 2 certified in avalanche safety. We are equipped with transceivers and other equipment to safely conduct avalanche rescue/recovery or operate in avalanche-prone terrain. AMRC is ready to respond statewide to respond avalanche-related incidents.
Search:
Our technical and medical skills are not helpful unless we can locate the people who need our assistance. Albuquerque Mountain Rescue Council uses a variety of techniques to locate search subjects day or night. We use ham radios, GPS units, computer-generated maps, and traditional orienteering skills to navigate in the back county and search efficiently. Lost person theory and other specialized training and classes are undertaken by team members.