SAN DIEGO—A harsh winter storm hit east San Diego County this morning, delivering freezing rain and snow in some areas. At approximately 7 a.m., agents assigned to the Border Patrol Search, Trauma, and Rescue (BORSTAR) team were sent to the Pine Valley area to render aid, if needed, due to the storm.
Patrol’s premiere search and
rescue team.
BORSTAR is the U.S. Border Patrol’s (USBP) premiere search and rescue team. All 42 BORSTAR team members in San Diego have emergency medical training as a minimum. Recently, six USBP paramedics underwent additional training and entered into an agreement between California State Emergency Medical Services and USBP to provide more in-depth aid in the field.
According to a San Diego BORSTAR representative, “As of January 2018, San Diego Sector Special Operations Detachment paramedics now will have the ability to administer advanced care, medications, and narcotics for comfort while 9-1-1 is activated and in route.”
BORSTAR agents are experts in operating in the border environment, topography, climate, and cultural distinctiveness of the area. USBP often works in tandem with the Government of Mexico to warn of the danger of attempted illegal entry through the east San Diego County mountainous region during winter storms.
To prevent the illicit smuggling of humans, drugs, and other contraband, the U.S. Border Patrol maintains a high level of vigilance on corridors of egress away from our Nation’s borders. To report suspicious activity to the U.S. Border Patrol, contact San Diego Sector at (619) 498-9900.