First International Course on High-Altitude Mountain Rescue Operations and S.A.R. Helicopter
Elite training with aerial support from the PNP and FAP. Organized by the Peruvian Andean Rescue Association (S.A.P.).
High-Level Training
Organized by the Socorro Andino Peruano Association (S.A.P.), this pioneering event will gather experts from Europe and South America in the Cordillera Blanca.
The goal is to standardize technical rescue protocols and aerial operations in hard-to-access areas, with real practice on Nevado Mateo and the Contrahierba Massif (up to 5,150 m.a.s.l.).
- Instructors from Austria, Italy, Russia and Ecuador
- Collaboration with Australia and the USA.
- WFR and Technical Rescue Certification.
- Institutional backing in progress (SERNANP, ICAR).
Social Commitment
As part of our responsibility to the environment, the course includes:
-
Environmental Cleanup:
Sanitation of the route to Nevado Mateo and Chopicalqui. -
Free Training:
Full scholarships for Huascarán National Park rangers.
Eng. Gastone Rafael Macedo Menacho
Peruvian Engineer specializing in environmental issues and disaster risk management. He currently leads the Regional Office for Disaster Risk Management of the Áncash Regional Government, heading critical prevention and response actions throughout the region.
His professional career includes key roles such as Manager of Public Services and Environmental Management at the Municipality of Independencia (Huaraz), where he stood out for his commitment to environmental conservation and strategic urban planning.
Institutional Support:
Course Objectives
Unified Protocols
You will learn to apply national criteria and protocols for safe and coordinated rescue operations.
Technical Competencies
Training in the safe use of mountain equipment and effective maneuvers for high-difficulty rescue scenarios.
Inter-Institutional Cooperation
Shared learning spaces among firefighters, guides, brigade members, and specialized rescue personnel.
Safety Culture
Strengthening risk management, self-protection, and mountain search and rescue capabilities.
Endorsement and Cooperation Management
To ensure the course’s effectiveness, it is essential to have official support. This endorsement allows us to obtain sponsorships for the international flights of our instructors.
- Sponsorship Management
S.A.P. will establish partnerships with airlines to cover the transportation of the technical staff, optimizing resources.
Technical Support: We seek ICAR validation for global standards and WFR instructors for the medical component.
General Requirements
Previous Experience
Basic mountaineering knowledge and minimum high-altitude experience.
Mandatory Insurance
Valid mountain accident insurance policy or civil liability agreement.
Personal Equipment
Technical and camping gear. Prior acclimatization required.
Health
Valid vaccination certificate and compliance with biosecurity protocols.
Course Structure – Day-by-Day Itinerary
- 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
The Wilderness First Responder (WFR) course is an international certification in remote-area first aid, designed for guides, rescuers, and adventurers. It is the most comprehensive training in first aid for wilderness environments, preparing participants to respond to medical and trauma emergencies when access to hospitals is limited or delayed.
- Accommodation: Hotel Rubí in Huaraz or similar
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- 8:00 am – 6:00 pm
Activities: Installation of the training center, inspection of technical equipment, practice of knots, rope systems and essential operational fundamentals for safe interventions in the mountains.
- Accommodation: Hotel Rubí in Huaraz or similar
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- 8:00 am – 6:00 pm
Practical training in anchoring systems, mechanical hoists and self-rescue techniques, with emphasis on efficiency, risk control and team coordination. Indoor wall and natural rock exercises, simulating real mountain conditions.
- Accommodation: Hotel Rubí in Huaraz or similar
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Departure: 2:00 am
Practice: Glacier progression, installation of ice anchors and crevasse rescue. Complete training with a Kong stretcher, from glacier extraction to the evacuation point, including helicopter boarding exercises to transport the injured.
- Accommodation: Hotel Rubí in Huaraz or similar
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Departure: 2:00 am
Comprehensive rescue simulation: stretcher evacuation from the summit, descent through glacier and rock sections, arrival at the evacuation base, and helicopter extraction in the Punta Olímpica area—one of the strategic points of the mountain range.
Official closing at 8:00 pm in Huaraz: certificate ceremony, presence of local authorities, and joint evaluation of the learning outcomes.
- Accommodation: Hotel Rubí in Huaraz or similar
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
International Instructor Corps
Certified rescuer and instructor with training in technical alpine rescue and teacher.
High mountain police officer and athlete with experience on the summit of Everest.
Mountain guide, sports instructor, team leader. Risk management and mountain safety, ERND training.
Specialist in strategic planning, investment management and results-based budgeting (Public/Private).
Medical Surgeon (UNMSM), archaeologist and guide specializing in high mountain, biodiversity and ornithology.
Specialist in Public Management and Projects, Master in Law and former consulting manager with extensive experience in government management.
Lawyer registered with the ICAC, expert in criminal litigation and administrative management with a focus on institutional growth.
Specialist in mountain and avalanche safety with 15 years of experience in rescue, certified guide and risk control.
Veteran mountain guide, specialist instructor, and helicopter pilot. Member of the European Guides Association.
Writer, photographer and content creator for the Peruvian Andean Relief Association (S.A.P.) Project
Bilingual photographer and videographer, responsible for visual content and marketing coordination for the Peruvian Andean Relief Association (S.A.P.) project.
Helicopter Rescue Commission
This course lays the foundation for a national objective: the creation of a Specialized Aerial Rescue Unit.
S.A.P. proposes a public–private partnership to manage an aircraft capable of flying above 6,600 meters above sea level, drastically reducing response times in critical emergencies.
In strategic cooperation with:
Registration Costs
- Instructor per diem
- Full meals
- Administrative management
- Group technical equipment
- Internal transportation
- Camp logistics
- Support the Project
- Secure and transparent platform
Rescue Operations in Action
