Savannah River Site officials recently donated a heavy rescue truck to the city of Aiken.
Worth over a $1 million if purchased new, the truck is designed to transport highly specialized equipment and specially trained personnel for so-called technical rescues.
Technical rescues can range from vehicle extrications to incidents like building collapses or people falling down cliffs. Aiken’s technical rescue unit is also equipped to rescue large animals, such as horses – something unusual for such teams. SRS emergency services personnel have a long history of helping nearby first responders through mutual aid agreements. Plus technical rescue personnel from both the city and SRNS train together periodically and work side-by-side during emergencies. The two teams can now act, in essence, as one when duty calls.