Anderson Technical Rescue Team

Today the weather held off long enough for the technical rescue team to conduct its monthly training exercise, focusing on patient packaging utilizing Stokes baskets, SKED, and Yates Spec Pak. Subsequently, team members practiced operating twin tensioned rope systems and employing the Arizona Vortex as an artificial high directional to execute multiple raise-lower evolutions. The training concluded with simulated rescue scenarios that integrated all acquired skills, including litter attendants being lowered to victims, loading them into Stokes baskets, and raising them back up!

Anderson County Fire Department
Anderson Fire Department - South Carolina

The Anderson Technical Rescue Team is honored to be recognized as the 2026 Volunteer Team of the Year at this year’s Dragon Boat Upstate Festival.

For the past 20 years, our members have proudly supported this event by providing water safety operations, ensuring a safe environment for every team, participant, and spectator on Lake Hartwell. From standby rescue boats to trained personnel ready to respond at a moment’s notice, our mission has always been clear—protect life while others compete for a cause that matters.

This recognition is not just about a single year—it represents two decades of commitment, professionalism, and partnership with an event that has made a lasting impact in the fight against cancer across the Upstate.

We are proud to stand behind this mission, proud of our members who dedicate their time to serve, and proud to continue supporting this event for years to come.