KALISPELL — Emergency responders from around the state recently trained at Flathead Valley's Office of Emergency Services using math and science to increase search and rescue accuracy.
Flathead County Undersheriff Wayne DuBois says data gathered from over 150,000 searches were used in Friday's training and that information will help to increase search and rescue accuracy.
Emergency Response International, based out of Washington State, looks at previous rescue missions and trains responders to react quickly and effectively, which is crucial when searching for lost hikers and avalanche victims.
DuBois told MTN News that when it's a matter of life and death, seconds matter adding that Friday's training helped responders be more prepared and focused.
"This class gives us a proven method to be more effective. So, again rather than just going out and walking around, we're making some kind of an effort to try and have a focused effort," said DuBois.
First responders will be able to take the information learned and immediately apply it to emergency rescue missions.