Rescue

Rescue refers to the act of saving a person or animal from imminent danger or peril, often requiring removal from a hazardous environment and immediate medical or supportive care. Rescue operations are conducted by trained responders and may involve coordination with medical services, law enforcement, and disaster management authorities. The goals are to minimize harm, preserve life, and reduce suffering, while ensuring the safety of rescuers.

Rescue work can be categorized by context. Search and rescue (SAR) focuses on locating and assisting missing or stranded individuals. Rescue disciplines include water rescue (from rivers, oceans, or floods), mountain or wilderness rescue (remote terrain), urban search and rescue (collapsing structures, confined spaces), trench or structural rescue, vehicular extrication, high-angle rope rescue, ice rescue, and avalanche rescue. Animal rescue is also part of the field.

Operations typically follow a cycle: scene assessment, risk evaluation, resource mobilization, and incident command; then rescue and medical care, stabilization, extraction, and handover to appropriate medical or welfare services. Tools and techniques include personal protective equipment, ropes and harnesses, anchors, stretchers, lifting devices, boats, helicopters, drones, and specialized vehicles. Training emphasizes safety, teamwork, incident command systems, and adherence to local laws and standards.

Organizations range from local fire departments and coast guards to national search and rescue agencies, mountain rescue associations, and international bodies such as INSARAG. Volunteer responders often play a critical role, supported by professional staff. The practice raises ethical considerations, including consent, minimizing risk to rescuers, prioritizing the most vulnerable, and ensuring dignity in the treatment of survivors.