First responders prepare for increase in activity in the desert during summer months

EL PASO, Texas (KVIA)-- Texas Rescue Patrol tells ABC-7, as the summer nears, more activity in the desert is expected.

Jamil Moutran, Chief of Texas Rescue Patrol, said the summer brings more people to the desert and warns of being vigilant.

Moutran said during the day families like to come out and ride ATVs, but after the sun goes down the younger crowd comes out, and that's when he said, he sees more injuries due to underage drinking.

To prepare for this season, first responders have received training on how to navigate their agency vehicles in the sandy desert terrain safely.

According to University Medical Center, first responder and emergency medical services (EMS) agencies, as well as county law enforcement are increasing the utilization of Utility Task Vehicles (UTV) for search and rescue.

UMC said they provided training that is designed to add another layer of safety for first responders throughout our Borderland desert.