Students are challenged mentally and physically during the course. The rocks of Joshua Tree National Park provide an endless variety of rescue challenges. Specialist student Kevin Brown makes it look easy as his teammates lower him and his patient over mixed terrain.

While on a backcountry ski trip in Colorado, our group of dedicated rope rescue instructors formulated a plan to create a first-class school called Peak Rescue Institute.

Safety is always paramount at Peak Rescue. Students have a separate belay line for individual and rescue loads.

Under the vigilant eyes of instructor Kevin Wakashige, San Diego firefighter David Tegardine begins an evolution as litter attendant.

San Diego lifeguard and Specialist level student Steve Orlowski heads straight for the french toast. Students regularly comment on the quantity and quality of the meals during a Peak course.

Instructor Glenn Pinson emphasizes the importance of being able to confidently work "hands free" as an edge attendant.

Students are assured that the staff is constantly monitoring their progression and ready to provide immediate feedback. Instructor Mike Walker observes a student rappeller.

All the Peak Rescue instructors are working members of rescue teams at our respective departments. Instructor Jarod Trow goes on rappel to access a patient during a mission near Aspen, Colorado.

Seemingly complicated at first, rescue systems become familiar and effective tools with proper training.

At Peak Rescue, we are constantly evaluating the effectiveness of the techniques and teaching styles presented during the course. At a recent instructor-only seminar, the staff works into the night on the litter rigging.

Specialist student Kevin Brown negotiates the terrain while protecting his patient on a team-based pick-off evolution.

Peak instructor Sabine Arnold navigates the litter and her patient through a tight section. Orienting the litter vertically is another addition to the rope technician's "toolbox."

The brake bar rack is a versatile lowering device that students use throughout the course. Peak instructors John Giddings and Glenn Pinson demonstrate a weighted changeover for the Technician students.

Even the most basic equipment is discussed in detail. Instructor Mike Walker explains the strengths, weaknesses, types, and ratings of the carabiner.

Joshua Tree National Park is a world-class climbing destination. We take advantage of the opportunity to train on a variety of formations and walls.

Solid rigging, good communication, and teamwork are required to conduct a well orchestrated litter evolution. San Diego lifeguard Robb Eichelberger operates the brake rack while Kevin Brown of Miramar Fire runs the belay.

Floating in a sea of stone, Specialist Kevin Brown negotiates the vertical terrain en route to the desert floor.

Peak Rescue instructor Andy Speier rides the basket en route to accessing the patient during this advanced evolution. Specialist level students will get the opportunity to use this technique and the Arizona Vortex.

Ascending a rope can be awkward and tiring. Students quickly learn to focus on using better technique rather than trying to muscle their way up the rope.

Clear and concise commands are fundamental in every operation. Technician level student Ben Lewis calls for "DOWN SLOW" during a litter lowering.

Peak instructor Kevin Wakashige ascends a rope using the RAD system which we had just learned from a Petzl representative. Peak Rescue Institute makes every effort to stay current with industry leading tools and techniques.

Our lectures are designed to teach students the how and why of rescue techniques. Instructor Glenn Pinson presents new material to Technician level students.

Technician student Sumaiyah Alazzawi receives some feedback from instructor Jeff Weaver. The personal attention each student receives is the hallmark of our program.

Miramar firefighter John Meyer leads an evolution during the Specialist course. As students progress through the program, they can develop the skills to lead a mission in addition to becoming a solid rigger.

Instructor John Giddings teaches the mechanical advantage lecture to the Technician students. The progression from theoretical to practical mechanical advantage systems is a key component of the course.

The Peak Rescue cadre meets in the morning to discuss students' progress and concerns. We rely heavily on student input and are dedicated to improving the learning experience.

Joshua Tree is a dynamic environment and students are often challenged by the terrain as well as the curriculum. The Arizona Vortex is used here to create a high departure point for the litter.

Confident and cool, Technician level student Trevor Gilbert serves as belayer during a 4th class litter lower.

Students and Peak instructors carry the patient through 2nd and 3rd class terrain during a training scenario.

At the end of the Technician level course, students demonstrate their skills during the NFPA test.