We are a dedicated team of professionals and volunteers specializing in high mountain search and rescue throughout South America. Our mission is to provide swift, efficient, and life-saving assistance to individuals in need, whether they are climbers, hikers, or tourists facing emergencies in some of the world’s most challenging terrains.
Our rescue corps is composed of experienced mountaineers, paramedics, and specialized rescuers trained in high-altitude operations. We work in close collaboration with local and international organizations to ensure the safety of those exploring South America’s high peaks, glaciers, and volcanic regions.
We conduct complex rescue missions in remote and hazardous areas such as:
At the heart of our mission is a deep commitment to protecting lives and ensuring the safety of mountain explorers. Our corps operates with a high level of professionalism, adapting to the unique challenges of each mission. We are passionate about the mountains and driven by a shared dedication to service.
Our work is essential in a region where adventure tourism is booming and where mountain safety is crucial for both locals and visitors. We are proud to be a reliable lifeline in the high-altitude regions of South America.
The mountain rescue corps has its roots in the need to provide aid to people facing emergency situations in high mountains and inaccessible terrain. Throughout history, the rise of mountaineering, climbing, and tourism in remote areas prompted the creation of specialized rescue corps, especially in mountainous regions such as the Alps, the Andes, the Himalayas, and other major mountain ranges.
Origin and Development
1. South America and the Andes o In South America: high mountain rescue corps began to emerge with the rise of tourism and climbing in the Andes Mountains in the mid-20th century. The popularity of peaks such as Aconcagua (Argentina), Huascarán (Peru), and Chimborazo (Ecuador) attracted mountaineers from around the world, leading to the need for specialized high mountain rescue teams.
In Peru, one of the first organized groups was the High Mountain Rescue Unit (USAM) of the Peruvian National Police, founded at the end of the 20th century, intended to respond to emergencies in the Cordillera Blanca, one of the most important mountaineering areas on the continent.
The Mountain Rescue Association in South America in Rescue is prepared to do a variety of jobs, among which are search and rescue operations.
The emergency call is received, and the headquarters, operations coordinator, and high mountain police are immediately alerted
The emergency is confirmed, and coordination is made with the high mountain police to establish a joint action plan
A coordination base is established in Huaraz, which will serve as the operations center to direct and support the emergency
From the base in Huaraz & la Paz, the situation is assessed, needs are determined, and rescue actions are directed.
The corporation is formed by experienced and qualified mountain guides holding IVBV – UIAGM – IFMGA certificates.The IFMGA is an international association of mountain guides from all over the world, who are divided into three categories:
18 years of age or older.
Mountain experience in high mountain rescue.
Irreproachable background history.
Health and physical condition compatible with strenuous activity.
Ability to work in a team.
Pass technical mountain examination/test and interview.
Mountain Rescue Association in South America (Cuerpo de Rescate Socorro Andino C.R.S.A) Provide assistance in emergency situations that occur in the practice of climbing or high mountain sports, in addition to providing theoretical, practical and logistical support to different national and international organizations, both public and private, linked to mountaineering in Latin America. We are a very professional group formed with the quality standards in high mountain rescue.
Our mission is to provide life-saving search and rescue services in high mountain regions, ensuring the safety and survival of those in need. We are committed to:
Our ultimate goal is to protect lives, offering hope and assistance to those who face dangers in some of the most inaccessible and harsh landscapes on earth.
The constant increase in accidents and mountain emergencies is mainly due to the demand for outdoor activity, and for that reason the Mountain Rescue Association in South America aspires to be a professional rescue prepared to respond with efficiency and the best technology in disaster situations. We seek to handle unforseen events, acting in a timely and successful manner and setting the standard for Latin American rescue operations.
Our vision is to become a global leader in high mountain rescue, known for our unwavering commitment to saving lives in extreme environments. We aim to:
We envision a world where adventure and exploration in high mountains are supported by the highest levels of safety and preparedness, ensuring that every individual can face challenges with confidence, knowing help is always within reach.
The first private mountain rescue association The Mountain Rescue Association of South America (MRAS), founded on October 1, 2020. This private organization is based in Peru and Bolivia and plays a fundamental role in search and rescue service in rugged terrain & in High Mountain special.
