Emergency response teams from San Juan and Guaynabo completed a multi-day specialized training in search and rescue in collapsed structures, San Juan Mayor Miguel A. Romero Lugo announced. Personnel received theoretical and practical instruction aimed at strengthening skills to assess risk scenarios, locate victims, stabilize structures, and carry out extraction operations in high-complexity emergencies. Training covered identifying hazards, establishing safety zones, conducting primary and secondary searches, applying marking techniques, and installing anchoring and hoisting systems, as well as procedures for extracting and providing initial protection to victims, with supervised exercises in simulated debris scenarios.
Romero Lugo said preparedness can make the difference in protecting and saving lives, and that training jointly with Guaynabo strengthens coordinated response capacity between the two municipalities. Guaynabo Mayor Edward O’Neill Rosa said his administration continues investing in first responder preparation to ensure a fast, coordinated and effective response to any emergency. Participants also underwent a theoretical and practical evaluation to verify mastery of the skills acquired, combining theory, demonstrations, and hands-on exercises.